Doc Rivers says one Bucks player was phenomenal and it's not Giannis Antetokounmpo 1 Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Kyle Kuzma has quietly been Bucks’ most consistent reserve

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 6:14 PM ET

Kyle Kuzma began this season in a role he hasn’t had in years, coming off the Bucks bench after five years as a starter. That’s the job he held when he arrived in Milwaukee last trade deadline. Kuzma’s poor performance, however, particularly in the playoffs, prompted Doc Rivers to try something new. No one knew to expect from Kuzma this season – or they expected the worst – but, surprise, he’s working wonders for the Bucks’ second unit.

Kuzma has been a weapon, not a wart, off Milwaukee’s bench

In his last four games, he has reached double figures every time for an average of 16.3 points per game. The 3-point shooting has been as ugly as ever, but he’s shooting 53.2% from the field and getting to the line (11-of-14).

Against the Kings, he did everything in his power to will the Bucks to victory with 16 fourth-quarter points. They still lost, 135-33, but they would not have had a chance at the end without Kuzma.

Defensively, he is their only answer against larger wings like Toronto’s Brandon Ingram. Big, rangy teams like the Raptors bully the Bucks’ small ball lineup featuring AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. at the two and the three. Kuzma has even taken on the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns – and looked good doing it.

His lack of a reliable outside shot makes him an overall negative most nights on offense, but he has produced a -8.3 defensive on-off rating, putting him in the 77th percentile so far this season.

Even with his offensive drawbacks, he’s only had one really clunker in seven games. His season averages: 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 53.1 FG% in 22.9 minutes.

Kyle Kuzma has quietly been Bucks' most consistent reserve 2 Oct 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) takes a shot between Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) and forward Kyle Kuzma (18) in the 3rd quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Thus far he has outplayed Bobby Portis, who can’t seem to find his shooting touch and has struggled across the board. Lately has been more consistent than Cole Anthony, who can be a maestro of the offense but has also had some off shooting nights and gets picked on defensively. Anthony drew five fouls in 12 minutes in the season opener, fouled out against Golden State, and hasn’t had a game with under 3 personals. Taurean Prince doesn’t do a whole lot if he isn’t feeling it from deep.

Kuzma puts up some hideous shots every now and then, but defensively, he brings the intensity night in, night out. If he can just contribute enough on the other end, and cut down on the threes – just give it up, Kuz – he could be a weapon Bucks fans never thought they would have.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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