Bobby Portis

Fired from the metaphorical cannon almost immediately on November 22, 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks — ahead on the scoreboards for 46-and-a-half minutes out of 48 — made it abundantly clear that payback would arrive with considerable urgency against the Indiana Pacers. With the plan to quickly shake free on the scoreboards now all-but-established, Bobby Portis made certain to cover the final step: a celebratory shimmy. An already-overwhelming presence, given his pair of 3-pointers upon arrival, Portis, recognizing a lack of passing outlets, electrifies the Bucks’ offense, this time from the “point forward” role. Balancing himself just well enough amidst flowing traffic, Portis lets fly a 27-foot, floater-like 3-pointer, getting Fiserv Forum’s party started early by introducing a 12-point opening quarter lead. The Bucks, 2-0 in East Group B, and 6-0 all-time NBA Cup qualifying games, found their sweet spot again during a wire-to-wire victory. In trademark “Bobby Buckets” form throughout, Portis turned in 17 points (on 7-of-12), seven rebounds, one steal, and three 3-pointers.