Milwaukee Bucks rookie Nate Ament made his first NBA start and produced a highlight-reel dunk, although his team suffered an eighth consecutive defeat after losing 123-112 to the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday, November 11.
The Lakers, who lead the Western Conference standings, extended their winning streak to seven games to improve their record to 11-2, while Milwaukee continued to struggle.
Ament, 19, was informed by Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins that he would make his first start during a pre-game video session as the team prepared to face the Lakers.
The opportunity allowed the No.13 overall pick in the NBA Draft to experience the excitement of being introduced as a starter in front of the home crowd at Fiserv Forum.
"I wasn't expecting it, to be honest," Ament said.
"It was good, exciting. Obviously, we didn't get the outcome we wanted, but I think our team is taking steps in the right direction. We're improving game by game. We've had a tough schedule, not to make any excuses, but it's going to be ups and downs, and we just have to stay together throughout it all."
Despite his limited NBA experience, Ament has shown a willingness to take on some of the league's biggest stars since making his debut against Philadelphia on October 24.
The youngster has particularly embraced defensive challenges, seeking opportunities to guard established NBA players as part of his development.
His debut was difficult, as he committed four fouls in just five minutes. However, he has gradually adjusted to the demands of the league and continued to show confidence against experienced opponents.
Against the Lakers, Ament faced the challenge of defending Luka Doncic, who used his experience to create space and knock down an early three-pointer that gave Los Angeles a 14-7 lead after Milwaukee had started strongly.
Ament, however, continued to use his 2.1-metre frame and long wingspan to put pressure on Doncic and make his subsequent attempts more difficult.
Jenkins praised the teenager's willingness to take on difficult defensive assignments, saying his attitude and commitment to improving were encouraging.
"He’s got a legitimate, authentic desire to want to take those matchups. He’s not doing it like, ‘Oh, it’s part of my process.’ He wants to truly get better, he wants to be great on the defensive side. I think he’s got a lot of tools he’s going to grow into," Jenkins said before the game.
The coach also highlighted Ament's preparation, physicality and willingness to learn from facing some of the NBA's most experienced players.
On the offensive end, Ament produced one of the game's standout moments with a powerful dunk over Lakers big man Walker Kessler midway through the second quarter.
The play started when fellow rookie Brayden Burries stole the ball and pushed the pace before passing to Tyler Herro. Herro drove into the paint, attracted the Lakers' defence and found Ament cutting towards the basket, with the rookie finishing emphatically above the rim.
However, the dunk accounted for Ament's only points of the night. He finished with two points on one-of-three shooting, alongside four rebounds and one assist, while committing two turnovers.
The teenager said watching and competing against established NBA stars had helped him understand the importance of physicality, decision-making and offensive efficiency.
He cited players such as Jalen Brunson and Kevin Durant as examples of stars whose strength and ability to make quick decisions he hopes to emulate.
Ament added that he was gradually learning how to identify scoring opportunities, become more aggressive and make better decisions within the Bucks' offensive system.
With the NBA season still in its early stages, the teenager will be hoping to build on his first starting appearance as Milwaukee look to end their losing run.