As the Milwaukee Bucks gear up for a playoff push in the 2025 season, USC alumnus Kevin Porter Jr. has emerged as a pivotal contributor, injecting energy and versatility into a team with championship aspirations.
Acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in a February trade, the 24-year-old guard has quickly proven his worth, culminating in a sensational triple-double performance Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks-10 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists-marking his first career triple-double.
Porter's journey to the Bucks mirrors his resilience. After a turbulent college stint at USC, where he averaged 9.8 points as a freshman before declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft, his early professional career was marked by flashes of brilliance and off-court challenges.
Now, with the Bucks, he's found a fresh start. In just 10 games, he's averaged 9.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in limited minutes, shooting an efficient 53% from the field. His ability to score, facilitate, and rebound has enhanced a Bucks bench that desperately needed a spark.
The triple-double against the Mavericks was no fluke-Porter put his all-around game on full display. His mid-range prowess and playmaking have allowed stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to conserve energy for the postseason, while his defensive tenacity adds grit.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers has praised both Porter's pace and creation, noting how his presence has shifted lineups and momentum. For a Bucks team aiming to overcome past playoff setbacks, Porter's emergence is timely.
The former Trojan's blend of athleticism and basketball IQ, honed at USC, is proving to pay dividends so far as the Bucks prepare for a deep run. With Porter thriving in the lineup, the Bucks' playoff hopes just got a little brighter.
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
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