The Milwaukee Bucks’ starting unit barely worked in their win against the Minnesota Timberwolves and so, Giannis Antetokounmpo had to finish the game with the bench.
The reserves definitely delivered as they backed up Antetokounmpo who finished with a triple double of 23/13/10, the third straight game he finished in double digits in points, rebounds, and assists.
Antetokounmpo’s passing game has been huge for his teammates. Against the Wolves, relievers Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. recorded a combined +68 in plus/minus stat.
Doc Rivers credits Antetokounmpo for the good play that the bench has been having lately.
“He’s empowering his teammates, and it’s beautiful to see,” Rivers told reporters after the game.
They needed everyone to stage that comeback. They were down by 24 points with 10 minutes to go in the game. It was the largest comeback made by a team in under 10 minutes.
Tonight, the @Bucks trailed, 95-71, with 9:53 left in the fourth quarter before winning, 110-103.
The 24-point comeback win with 10 minutes or less left in regulation is the largest in the NBA in the last 20 years. pic.twitter.com/jfUfaPFYfW
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) April 9, 2025
Brook Lopez, Kyle Kuzma, Taurean Prince, and Ryan Rollins could barely produce anything.
KPJ and Portis provided the firepower the guys above cannot provide while GJ and Green hit timely shots, too, while playing tremendous defense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and co needed that win
The Bucks have a very low chance of snatching the fourth spot from the Indiana Pacers for a first round home court advantage.
Still, they have lot to fight four with three games remaining in the regular season. With all the suspensions and injuries that derailed their chemistry and other plans, they could use the remaining games to prepare for the playoffs.
Rivers said the game against the Wolves was a meaningful one.
“It’s huge for us because we’re still trying to chase, stay in front of, whatever we’re trying to do in the playoff thing,” he explained.
“It was a playoff atmosphere game for them as well. That’s why the game was so meaningful.”
Next up for them are the New Orleans Pelicans at home before playing the Detroit Piston twice to wrap up the regular season.
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