Underrated Players Series:

Pat Connaughton of the Milwaukee Bucks

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

7/21/2021

         With the Milwaukee Bucks having won their first NBA Championship since 1971, there is and will be a lot of love coming their way. With superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo getting much of the praise for his 50 point close out game and overall Finals MVP effort. Along with key star contributors like Khris Middleton and Jrue Holliday coming big and huge moments. Even Coach Mike Budenholzer, will gain further respect for his coaching abilities and standing in the league. There is a player though that deserves mention that may not get as much as love as he deserves. This player being wing Pat Connaughton whose impact in this series showed up on the stat sheet in many ways. This piece will look to highlight the efforts of Connaughton throughout the Playoffs. Depicting the high-quality impact, he made as an essential role player to this Bucks Championship.

            First and foremost, the main area Connaughton helps the Bucks and specifically Giannis on the floor is with his shooting ability. The former Notre Dame product for the playoffs shot a very solid 38.9%, from three. A huge contribution off the bench, for a Milwaukee bench which did struggle at times to get scoring production. His notable performances included going 5 for 9 in Game two against the Miami Heat in the first round. While also having three made three pointers in games 2 and 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Atlanta Hawks. Then culminating it with making at least 2 threes in 5 of the 6 NBA Finals game.  His shot making allowed the Bucks to play smaller lineups and provided Giannis with another shooter opponents had to respect. Thus, creating more space for Giannis to operate on the offensive end and in the open floor. Connaughton elevating his shooting production throughout the postseason was quietly a huge add to Milwaukee’s attack. Giving the Bucks a reliable asset off the bench to play consistently.  

            Another area Connaughton provided surprising production from was in the rebounding department. As he contributed to the Bucks continually winning of the boards throughout the postseason. Connaughton during the postseason averaged 4.3 rebounds per game, which for a player at 6’5” more know for being a spot up shooter is particularly good. He provided a lot of hustle plays, and helped the Bucks steal extra possessions with timely offensive rebounding. Notable performances in this area included him having 6 different games with 6 rebounds or more. Recording two 8 rebound games in the East Finals, along with one 9 rebound and one 8 rebound game in Games 4 and 6 the Finals. Getting this type of rebounding production from a wing bench player was tremendous for Milwaukee. Showcasing Connaughton’s value in multiple areas of the game and how he contributed to a winning cause.

            Connaughton had 6 double figure scoring games this postseason. Meaning in 26% of their playoff games he reached double figures. As we have seen every year the more production you can get from role players the better chance you have to go deep in the postseason. All these numbers show Pat Connaughton was an underrated part to the Bucks Championship run. Without his game rising well above its normal standard this past postseason, the Bucks may not have reached the top of the NBA world. It is fantastic to see a former 2015 second round pick not only find a place in the NBA. But become a vital role player on a Championship team. Connaughton pulled his weight and then some to be quietly a huge piece to the Bucks becoming NBA Champions. A player who deservedly should be praised by all who discuss this Finals result going forward.