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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 29: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
After logging 23 minutes in a loss against the Chicago Bulls on the road, Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma found himself in a shocking situation.
The Bucks faced the Boston Celtics on March 2, and Kuzma didn’t take the court for the first time since February 6. His absence wasn’t health-related. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers decided to roll with Kuzma as a DNP-CD. It was his first time with the Bucks, and it led to plenty of shock.
Although Kuzma was back on the court for the Bucks in their March 4 matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, the veteran forward still faced questions about his DNP following a practice session on Friday.
Kyle Kuzma Breaks His Silence On Doc Rivers’ Decision
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 19: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a block against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“At the end of the day, Doc is the final arbiter, right? So, he can make decisions on whatever he wants and rightfully so, he’s the coach,” Kuzma told reporters on Friday. “So, that’s not my job to worry about. My job is to come out just be a professional. That’s who I am. That’s who my character is and play when my number is called.”
Rivers suggested that Kuzma would play against the Hawks ahead of Friday’s game, and he stuck by his word. However, Kuzma came off the bench for a 21-minute shift. Clearly, the veteran was on a mission.
Putting up eight shots from the field, Kuzma knocked down 87% of his attempts. He scored 16 points off the bench, along with logging two rebounds and two assists. Kuzma was a plus-two in what turned out to be a blowout loss for the Bucks. They came up short against the Hawks with a 131-113 loss.
What’s Next For Kuzma And The Bucks?
Kyle Kuzma of the Milwaukee Bucks
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 27: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks attempts a three-point basket against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
On Saturday, March 7, Kuzma and the Bucks are set to face the Utah Jazz in Wisconsin.
After a strong matchup from Kuzma following his DNP, it’s difficult to imagine Rivers would go back to keeping Kuzma on the side for the night. However, it’s clear the Bucks are experimenting while they struggle in the standings.
Heading into Saturday’s outing, the Bucks are 11th in the Eastern Conference. They hold a 26-35 record and have lost four games in a row. Over their past 10 games, the Bucks are 5-5. While they hope to make a push for a Play-In spot, they have a long way to go. The Bucks trail 4.5 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the 10th seed.
For Kuzma, he’s in the midst of his first full season with the Bucks. This year, he has played in 57 games. 32 of those matchups were with the starting lineup. Kuzma has knocked down 34% of his shots from deep and averages 48% from the field. The veteran is posting averages of 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Before his run with the Bucks, Kuzma spent four years with the Washington Wizards after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The veteran forward is currently playing on a four-year, $90 million deal. He has one more season on the contract. Next year, Kuzma is slated to make $20.3 million with the Bucks.