The Milwaukee Bucks walked into Philadelphia on Thursday missing their best player. No Giannis Antetokounmpo usually means no chance, especially against the 76ers. But while the scoreboard showed a 123-114 overtime loss, the real story wasn’t the final result. It was the 23-year-old guard who decided to take over the offense and nearly stole the game.
Is Ryan Rollins Making a Case for Most Improved Player?
While the Bucks couldn’t pull out the win without Antetokounmpo, Ryan Rollins put the league on notice. The fourth-year guard exploded for 32 points and 14 assists, proving he can run the show when needed. He tied his career high in scoring against the 76ers, and his passing numbers were also a career high.
Ryan Rollins’ breakout continues 😤
32 PTS (ties career high)
14 AST (career high)The @Bucks point guard continues to turn heads in Year 4! pic.twitter.com/gYaupwkhkd
— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2025
Fans immediately jumped on the bandwagon, calling the 32-point performance a takeover. Many Bucks supporters are already labeling Rollins as the frontrunner for the 2025-26 Most Improved Player award, citing his incredible consistency this season.
His teammates see it too. Myles Turner is fully behind the 23-year-old’s campaign for some hardware. Speaking to the media, Turner said, “Yeah, no, as you said, he’s stepping up. And you know, this is the time of the year…you know…(he’s) making a big case for himself for being the most improved player. I think it’s something (that’s) very deserving at this point.”
“He’s making a big case for himself for being most improved player.”
MT praises Ry for stepping up. pic.twitter.com/25F5n0MtnB
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 21, 2025
“He just has an opportunity, he’s taking it and running with it. And it couldn’t be at a better time for us. Keep growing. Continue to keep making the right decisions,” Turner concluded.
The numbers back up the hype. Following Thursday’s game, Rollins is averaging 17.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 51.3% from the field. It’s a massive leap for the No. 44 pick from the 2022 draft, who has come a long way since his debut with the Golden State Warriors. Rollins is currently signed to a three-year, $12 million contract with the Bucks, earning an average of $4 million annually.
How Did Doc Rivers React to the Officiating?
Despite the breakout performance, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers wasn’t entirely happy. During his postgame press conference, he pointed out the disparity in how the game was officiated, specifically regarding the contact Rollins absorbed versus the calls he received.
“He has great composure,” Rivers said after the game (via ClutchPoints). “He complains to me about how he feels like he’s getting hit a ton at the basket and he’s not getting the call. Every time {Tyrese} Maxey went to the foul line, he kept looking over at me. I don’t know what I can do for him on that, but I think he has a case.”
Rivers admitted that Rollins’ ability to play through the contact is part of what makes him impressive. Now sitting at an 8-8 record, the Bucks will look to bounce back when they face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
