Kyle Kuzma’s first playoff recreation with the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t go very effectively for him.
He scored precisely zero factors in Milwaukee’s 117-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers, and his crew was a lot worse when he was on the ground.
In line with Evan Sidery, the Bucks had been 62.8 factors per 100 possessions higher when Kuzma was on the bench.
When he was enjoying, they’d an offensive score of 87.2, a defensive score of 144.4, and a web score of -57.2
When he was off, these numbers had been 105.6, 100.0, and +5.6.
“Kuzma must be benched for Milwaukee to have an actual shot,” Sidery wrote, however will head coach Doc Rivers hear?
In Recreation 1, the Bucks had been 62.8 factors per 100 possessions higher when Kyle Kuzma was off the court docket:
On (22 minutes): 87.2 OffRtg, 144.4 DefRtg, -57.2 NetRtg
Off (26 minutes): 105.6 OffRtg, 100.0 DefRtg, +5.6 NetRtg
Kuzma must be benched for Milwaukee to have an actual shot. pic.twitter.com/oHDWBMyO2z
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 21, 2025
Kuzma has solely been with the Bucks for just a few months and has averaged 14.5 factors, 5.6 rebounds, and a pair of.2 assists throughout that point.
When he got here to the Bucks from the Washington Wizards, followers had been hoping he’d be an enormous offensive risk, in a position to deal with the ball, unfold the ground, and open Giannis Antetokounmpo up for alley-oops and extra.
He would possibly rebound in Recreation 2, however this primary efficiency within the playoffs was not reassuring in any respect.
With that being mentioned, it’s unlikely that Rivers will select to bench Kuzma as a result of he has began in 32 of his 33 video games with Milwaukee.
The hope is that he can shake off no matter was bothering him in Recreation 1 and look a lot better shifting ahead.
The Bucks must be getting extra assist quickly as a result of Damian Lillard is heading in the right direction to return, so some stress can be taken off Kuzma’s shoulders.
However the path to the second spherical may be very tough if Kuzma retains having nights like this.
If he doesn’t drastically enhance for Recreation 2, the refrain of individuals calling for him to be benched will solely develop.
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