The Milwaukee Bucks' bench poured in 69 points against the Pelicans on Friday, contributing to the offense's highest output in a regulation game this season in the 139-118 victory. It was more than half of Milwaukee's total points. It was also a statement about the potential this new bench group brings.
After the roster's supposed preseason depth quickly dissolved, a reinvigorated second unit led by Cam Thomas, Bobby Portis, and at least one of Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance is liable to erupt on a nightly basis. That's an exciting, if somewhat unfamiliar thought.
Bucks' bench has gone from afterthought to a force
Against the Pelicans, Thomas led the team with 27 points in 21 minutes, matching Ryan Rollins' contributions in the starting five.