Doc Rivers picks out the Milwaukee Bucks star who was ‘phenomenal’ as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo

Doc Rivers praises Kyle Kuzma’s playmaking and second-unit leadership

Instead, Rivers reserved that distinction for Kyle Kuzma, who contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes off the bench.

“He was great. Kyle Kuzma was phenomenal tonight. His playmaking, he got to the basket, made some layups, and that’s great. But I just thought his rolls to catch the pass, his dribble penetration, the pass was fantastic,” Rivers stated.

While Kuzma no longer starts, he demonstrated the capability to lead the Bucks’ second unit effectively.

This bench production carries particular importance for Rivers, as Milwaukee needs collective contributions to support Giannis adequately.

“I actually thought the second group got away from that one stretch and that’s when Washington made a run. They should have gone right back to it,” Rivers explained.

Kyle Kuzma must provide consistent scoring behind Giannis

Kuzma was once considered a high-potential prospect, and during his Wizards tenure he proved capable of 20-plus point performances consistently.

With the Bucks lacking a clear second star behind Giannis, Kuzma needs to demonstrate he can deliver phenomenal performances nightly throughout the season.

His bench scoring and playmaking could provide the secondary offensive production Milwaukee desperately needs to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

If Kuzma consistently delivers production approaching his season-opening performance, the Bucks may have found the reliable scoring depth that has eluded them in recent seasons while constructing a championship-caliber roster around Antetokounmpo.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​