While it has been the superstars that have been making headlines for the Milwaukee Bucks of late, there’s also no denying that the bench has played an equally integral role in the team’s success thus far.
It also goes without saying that the second unit will be a key factor for the Bucks as they look to reclaim the title this season.
Adrian Griffin Praises Milwaukee Bucks Bench
Ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons, Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin was asked to share his thoughts on the emergence of Milwaukee’s bench.
Right now, the Bucks’ second unit is ranked seventh in the NBA in terms of scoring with 41 points per game. They’re also draining 45.5 percent of their attempts from deep, which is second in the league.
The trio of MarJon Beauchamp (third, 57.1 percent), Cam Payne (fifth, 57.1 percent), and Jae Crowder (12th, 52.0 percent) have led the way for the second unit, with all three players ranked in the Top 15 of the league’s best three-point shooters (h/t Gabe Stoltz of Brew Hoop).
“Well, I think it’s a credit to them as far as their preparation,” Griffin said. “I know from experience coming off the bench you have to be mentally ready to stay locked in during the game. You never know when the coach is going to call upon you.”
This is exactly the case for Crowder, who has been tasked to step into the starting five with Khris Middleton getting the night off:
“There’s situations where players do know their minutes as well, but they can be called upon any time. Like, Jae (Crowder)’s starting tonight. I’ll let everybody know that he’s starting tonight. Whenever we call up on him, he always rises to the occasion,” Griffin continued.
“And also, I think it’s a team thing as well. How we’re sharing the ball and moving the ball with speed and those guys have been benefactors of that. It just goes to our team mentality of quick decisions and finding the right play and making the right play.”
Expect Milwaukee’s second unit to be a key factor in Wednesday’s matchup against the Pistons.
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