Pat Connaughton is the most veteran player that played in the Milwaukee Bucks last regular season game. Doc Rivers decided to rest Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of key rotation guys as they prepare for the playoffs.
They won against the Detroit Pistons and he went on to record his career high of 43 points. He also became the second player in Bucks history to record a 40/10/5 stat after Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Connaughton, who also battled both injuries and trade rumors this season, is one of the four players from the 2021 NBA title-winning team but unlike Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, he’s not getting much minutes.
He played just 41 games this season, the lowest he’s seen since becoming a Buck in 2018. His minutes were taken by Gary Trent Jr. and even AJ Green.
Pat Connaughton thanks Giannis, Dame for support
Connaughton has not been seeing minutes lately but he is always staying ready.
He has the team’s core guys to thank for helping them navigate the difficult season.
“I’ve obviously been through a lot with GA and Bobby and Brook,” Connaughton said.
“And then Dame, because he’s been there since I was rookie (with the Trail Blazers), and then a lot of the guys from this year.”
Connaughton also took time to praise his fellow bench players for being competitive.
“Iron sharpens iron. It breeds competitiveness,” he said.
“They did a great job of cheering guys on the floor and they did a great job of taking moments to teach guys throughout the game of what to look for, what they needed to do differently, what they did well. Positive reinforcement.”
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