Sunday was the chance for Milwaukee Bucks bench players to prove themselves and almost everyone of them delivered. Pete Nance is one of those who got Doc Rivers’ attention.
The Bucks beat the Detroit Pistons on the last day of the regular season, 140-133 after the overtime period through the concerted efforts of the reserves. They did not play the key rotation guys in preparation for their playoffs match with the Indiana Pacers.
Nance, acquired through a mid-season trade, got the start in place of Brook Lopez who was rested. He played a total of 43 minutes and scored 19 points, five out of nine from the three point line. He also had six rebounds and five assists.
Pat Connaughton was the man of the moment as he scored a career high of 43 points. He had 43/10/5, becoming just the second Bucks player to have 40/10/5.
Pat Connaughton vs Detroit:
43 PTS (career-high)
11 REB
5 AST
2 STLJoins Giannis, Khris, and Kareem as the only Bucks with a 40/10/5 game. pic.twitter.com/FuiGg08Hlq
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 13, 2025
Tyler Smith is another player who had a breakout game as he scored 20 points from the bench.
Doc Rivers has high praise for Pete Nance
Rivers thought the boys played well tonight.
He specifically mentioned point guard Jamaree Bouyea who played almost an entire game as he logged 47 minutes. He finished with 15 points and seven assists.
“You just get a good look at them,” he said post-game. “I thought Jamaree played really well overall through the game.”
Nance is another player he commended. He even thinks the 6’10 power forward can be usable in high stake games.
“I thought he was exhausted. Pete was exhausted as well. Pete is one of those high-IQ basketball players that you can just throw in a game and he helps you win games.”
The Bucks and the starters will return to action on Saturday.
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