Given just how many blockbuster deals transpired, the Milwaukee Bucks trading for Jericho Sims certainly was not among the most discussed moves at the NBA Trade Deadline.
However, it was the type of move Milwaukee fans had been begging for the team to make over the past several months. Even before finding out that Bobby Portis would be suspended for 25 games coming out of the All-Star break, it was apparent that the Milwaukee Bucks needed a lift at center, and Jericho Sims has given them just that, especially in their most recent game.
Jericho Sims does it all as Bucks beat Mavericks
Coming out of the NBA All-Star break, Jericho Sims has taken on the suspended Bobby Portis' role as Brook Lopez's backup. While he hasn't filled up the stat sheet with points like Portis typically might, Sims has consistently made an impact with his hustle, rebounding, versatile defense and intensity, all of which was on display against the Dallas Mavericks in his best game in green yet.
While he's largely made an impact without stuffing the stat sheet early on with the Bucks, Sims kept the scorekeepers busy with his all-around performance in this one. The big man finished the contest with six points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists and a block. It was a display of everything that Sims can bring to the table.
After attempting six shots in his first five games with the Milwaukee Bucks, Sims played much more aggressive basketball in this one. He often roamed close to the hoop and waited for the right time to attack, receiving passes from Taurean Prince and Giannis Antetokounmpo that he converted into a pair of assists for them.
On the glass, Sims flexed his athleticism and leaping ability by fighting for every rebound. Oftentimes tipping the ball to himself or out-muscling a Mavericks player to secure the board, Sims helped the Milwaukee Bucks dominate the battle of the boards, hauling in 52 as a team compared to 33 by the undersized Mavericks.
One of the most impressive plays of the night was when Sims guarded Dante Exum on the perimeter before the guard drove inside and had his shot swatted by the big man. While there are often plays where players blow by Lopez or Portis on the perimeter for a bucket inside, Sims has the athletic ability to stick with his matchup and deter them inside. That's a welcoming change of pace.
Sims played a key part in helping the Milwaukee Bucks secure a 132-117 road victory by stuffing the stat sheet off the bench. The one downside was that Sims had three turnovers on the night, but with the proper context, those can be somewhat excused considering two of them came when he was battling for loose balls and simply could not corral them.
Jericho Sims undoubtedly looked comfortable in Milwaukee's win, and it's no surprise that his total of 19 minutes were the most he's played as a Milwaukee Buck so far. He's getting more comfortable in his role, and as long as Bobby Portis is out, he will certainly remain a key piece, and if he can keep doing all of the little things like this, he could even challenge a reinstated Portis for the backup role.