The Milwaukee Bucks did not have a chance against the Oklahoma City Thunder and that is because they did not have their Big 4 suit up. And that’s okay according to veteran Pat Connaughton.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play in the game due to right patella tendinopathy while Khris Middleton is on load management for his bilateral ankle surgery. Damian Lillard (left groin soreness) and Brook Lopez (back soreness) were scratched off the game before the tip-off.
For Pat Connaughton, one of the five remaining players from the the Bucks’ title winning team of 2021, the game still offered an opportunity for many of them.
I think it was a great opportunity for the young guys tonight, I think it was a great opportunity for some of us other vets to play a different role and really try to be leaders for the young guys and show them things we’ve learned and be constructively critical in areas where we need to be to help them be better.
I thought it was great for some of the other guys to have a night of recovery and put them in a position to be better for Charlotte and be better for this last handful of games prior to all-star break.
Connaughton played 21 minutes and scored eight points. The young guys who were given opportunity to showcase their readiness for big boy’s game made a good account for themselves.
Their 2024 23rd overall pick AJ Johnson scored 13 points and recorded four rebounds and four assists. Ryan Rollins, who’s growing into a regular rotation guy, topscored everyone in the team with 16.
Pat Connaughton on why Giannis, Dame need rest more than anyone
The last three weeks have been strenuous for the Milwaukee Bucks. It is frustrating, too, that they don’t get the results they want, going 1-5 in their last six, five of them on the road.
Antetokounmpo and Lillard played big minutes in the last five games against OKC. It should be noted, too, that the Greek Freak and Lopez have to extend themselves due to the absence of Bobby Portis.
This is why Connaughton believes their recent absence is well-deserved.
Guys have different kinds of games, right? You talk about Giannis, he gets beat every single game. He get pounded on every single game. So having an extra 24 hours is a big deal. It’s a whole extra day, it’s a whole extra night of sleep
All four players are expected to play against Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday as the team hope to finish their games before All-Star break on a strong note.
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