Bobby Portis Returns, Leads Bucks in Dramatic Comeback Win

MILWAUKEE — Bobby Portis made an impactful return to the court on April 8, 2025, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a stunning comeback against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Portis, who had been suspended for 25 games due to a positive test for the banned painkiller Tramadol, played 29 minutes, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds in his first appearance since the All-Star break.

The Bucks trailed by 24 points entering the fourth quarter but rallied to secure a 125-121 victory, marking one of the largest comebacks in franchise history. According to Sportradar, it was only the fifth time since 1996-97 that a team won after trailing by at least 24 points in the final quarter.

“When the suspension first came, I was mad,” Portis said after the game. “I didn’t really understand. Why me? But I’m thankful I get a chance to wake up every day and play basketball.”

Portis’s positive test stemmed from a misunderstanding, as his agent, Mark Bartelstein, stated that Portis believed he was taking Toradol, a medication approved by the league. Despite the challenges surrounding his suspension, including personal struggles, Portis remained committed to his basketball training during his time off.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers noted the emotional toll of the suspension on Portis, saying it took him a while to recover from the initial anger of feeling unjustly branded as a cheater. “He was doing the work, but his spirit wasn’t Bobby,” Rivers said, emphasizing the support from teammates helped Portis regain his energy.

Teammate Kyle Kuzma expressed excitement over Portis’s return, stating, “He’s a huge part of our identity, our mood and feeling out there on the court.”

The Bucks were 29-24 at the time of Portis’s suspension and went 15-10 during his absence, struggling particularly with frontcourt depth. The loss of seven-time All-NBA guard Damian Lillard compounded these challenges, as his status remained uncertain due to blood clots in his calf.

Despite the rough patch, the Bucks remained in contention, ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Portis’s return comes as the team gears up for the playoffs, with head coach Rivers noting the importance of his energy and experience in high-stakes situations.

“He’s a guy who knows how to win games,” two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “You can always count on him to make big plays down the stretch.”

For the Bucks, securing a favorable seed in the playoffs is critical as they aim for home-court advantage in their first playoff series. Portis’s enthusiasm during his return signified not just his love for the game but also his pivotal role within the team’s dynamics moving forward.