As the Bucks landed a massive win over the injury-riddled Pacers, Ryan Rollins had another huge performance off the bench to extend his great run of form this season.

The Bucks' away record improves to 4-10 with the win.

“We needed it bad; we got it and we got to get the rest of them on the road too,” Rollins said.

The Pacers contest was the second, after the Timberwolves' loss, of five straight games Rivers’ squad will play on the road. The Timberwolves game marked the first of 11 away contests in the Bucks’ next 14 games.

Picking up road wins, especially without Antetokounmpo, is massive for the Bucks during the toughest stretch of their season as they attempt to remain contenders.

“I think it’s a recipe to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” Rollins said. 

The Bucks have three more away games stacked consecutively, while Rollins is having a successful away trip from home. 

The 2022 second-round pick is averaging 17.2 points per game over 30 games this season. A huge upgrade from his 5.1 career average before this season. 

Rollins has emerged as a clear Most Improved Player candidate, raising his averages from last season’s 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists to 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, respectively.

However, it has not been all green for the young guard. Despite Rollins’ success, Rivers moved him back to the bench following the Bucks’ 45-point loss to the Nets last Sunday.

Rollins has only been playing better since being benched. He dropped 23 against the Pacers and didn’t seem demoralized by the role change.

“Whenever they call my number, I’m going to go out there and play my game,” Rollins said. “It’s just basketball, I’m blessed to play this game, and whenever I go out there, I’m going to do that with an open heart.”

Rollins’ game, and his heart, have been massively beneficial for the Bucks and their flatlining offense.

“When we get a lead, we start to slow down; we go to pick and rolls, spread actions, it slows the ball down and gets us stagnant,” Rollins said.

The Minnesota loss was just one example this season where the Bucks choked a double-digit lead. 

Porter Jr. and Rollins, even with the latter being benched, have made up most of the Bucks' offense in recent weeks with Antetokounmpo out.

“Their growth has been great for our team, and it’s been cool to see them grow as the season has been progressing,” Bucks veteran forward Bobby Portis said.

Rollins may not be starting, but his new role has helped the Bucks stay competitive and could even put him into early Most Improved Player discussions.

“Ryan was a good pro to come off the bench and accept that, especially when you're having a great season like he’s having,” Portis said.

Rollins will continue coming off the bench and developing as the Bucks search for reliable scoring options.

Rollins and the Bucks next face the Grizzlies on the road this Friday at 8:00 p.m. EST, looking to create momentum into a winning streak.