Bucks figuring it out
Bucks figuring out substitution patterns
The Bucks are playing mix-and-match with their subs, but some trends have started to appear.
The work in continuity continues for the Milwaukee Bucks as they figure out one another on the fly, a process that has hit speed bumps as four bench contributors have missed games due to injury.
The Bucks’ new-look starting five has been intact, but head coach Mike Budenholzer has already had to adjust on the fly regarding who substitutes to learn about who should be in, and when.
While the Bucks have played four games decided by 20 or more points, which has allowed every active player a bit of court time, some combinations have begun to find traction.
Even though D.J. Augustin missed the first game of the season, his pairing with Bobby Portis off the bench to play with Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounkmpo and Jrue Holiday has been on the floor for 23 minutes in five games – the second-most after the starting five (79).
The offensive rating of that group is just less than a point lower than the starters while the defensive rating is an impressive 81.5. It’s a lineup that clearly gives the team some flexibility as Au
gustin can run the point, or he and Holiday can play off the ball with Antetokounmpo or Middleton initiating.
“I think the more guys you have out there that can play the pick-and-roll, that can make decisions, can make shots and play off each other, we feel that is something that hopefully becomes a strength,” Budenholzer said.
The last few games Bryn Forbes has been worked into combinations with Antetokounmpo and the offensive production has soared, largely because Forbes has been getting fed open threepoint looks from the two-time most valuable player.
“We've had conversations about it,” Forbes said of the developing chemistry with Antetokounmpo. “I think he's a very cerebral player. He knows how defenses are going guard him and I'm going to get an open shot and he puts the ball right there. I love playing with him honestly. I think we could do some great things off pick and rolls and things like that.”
The sample size remains small for many of the bench combinations – only four have played at least 10 minutes – but it is evolving. Here's a look:
At Boston: D.J. Wilson was rewarded for a strong camp, playing 13 minutes. But with Augustin injured and Torrey Craig not playing, the bench scored 12 points. Rookie Sam Merrill played six minutes, including some against starters.
Vs. Golden State: Augustin returned, which nullified Merrill's minutes, and before the bench was emptied – the Bucks led 100-76 after three quarters – the top five scored 21 points. Craig didn't play in the top 10 again and Wilson saw his minutes drop to about six.
At New York: Pat Connaughton, Portis, Wilson, Augustin and Forbes were the primary subs but before the starters were pulled they had contributed 14 points. Craig was lost for several weeks with a broken nose.
At Miami (Game 1): Changes were made and the results were immediate. Portis and Augustin came off the bench together, and then Thanasis Antetokounmpo subbed in with Connaughton. Forbes was the fifth man in. The new combinations scored 21 points to help create an 83-51 margin at the break.
At Miami (Game 2): The same groups from the night before continued in a Bucks loss, as Wilson, Merrill and
Jordan Nwora didn't play. The bench scored 39 points and kept the team in the game as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Holiday struggled.
Vs. Chicago: Another blowout allowed everyone playing time, but in building a 96-75 lead through three quarters the primary five off the bench that were used in Miami scored 27 points.
“When I stay with the second unit, I feel more comfortable,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said, noting his role as the primary ball handler. “I try to facilitate for the team, put them in the right spots. I know no matter where I look, I've got shooters all around. Bobby can make threes. Pat can make threes. Donte (DiVincenzo) can make threes. Bryn can make threes … D.J. Augustin can make threes.
“I know that if I'm patient enough and I'm on balance I can find my teammates and they can knock down shots.”
The Bucks then had two days between games, which was when Budenholzer was asked about how much he needed to see of various combinations in order to make judgments or changes.
“I don't know that it's an exact equation or exact recipe,” he said. “Lots of times it just varies. We do go into most games with a plan and kind of who we think our top 10 might be. But you gotta give everybody opportunities and it's good to go off the road map a little bit just keep guys engaged. It's going to be a long year. There's going to be injuries that are gonna happen and guys are going to need to be ready. It's dearly and we've tried a few different things and different kind of subs and rotation. I think hopefully we'll find the ones that re best and take advantage of those as often as possible.”
Vs. Detroit: Then, Monday afternoon the Bucks ruled out Connaughton (groin) and Merrill (ankle) so new combinations were unveiled in the win over the Pistons. This time Nwora saw action (eight minutes) while Wilson did not play. Portis, Forbes and Augustin combined for 31 points while Nwora and Thanasis Antetokounmpo added four more as the bench continued producing.
“We're still finding each other, man,” Thanasis Antetokounmpo said. “We've been through a short training camp, not a lot of preseason games, and now we're getting more chemistry, we're getting to see what lineups fit and what not.”
The injuries to Augustin, Craig, Connaughton and Merrill have likely affected groupings to a degree, but regardless of which players wind up becoming the most used the mentality must remain the same for them.
“Part of our job as the ‘bench mob' is to be ready to play whenever coach decides we're going to play,” Connaughton said. “No matter who's in the game I think we're confident that we can play together and we can help and bring that energy and the toughness and the things that we need to win games and continue to produce at a high level.”