Bucks’ Defensive Woes Continue in Loss to Grizzlies

Feb 2, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) battle for the ball in the second half at Fiserv Forum.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) battle for the ball in the second half at Fiserv Forum.

Michael McLoone/Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered their third straight loss, falling to the Memphis Grizzlies 132-119. This defeat marks the fourth loss in their last five games, highlighting a concerning trend for the team.

The common theme in these recent losses has been the Bucks’ struggle to stop opponents at the point of attack and their difficulty in controlling the glass. Against the Grizzlies, the Bucks allowed a staggering 47% offensive rebound rate, their worst performance of the season in this aspect.

The absence of Bobby Portis, who is away from the team due to personal reasons, has significantly impacted the Bucks’ rotation. Without Portis, the team’s big man rotation has been stretched thin, exposing the fragility of their lineup.

Defensive Struggles

The Bucks’ defense, which had been a strength earlier in the season, has become a glaring weakness. In their recent losses, they’ve consistently allowed opponents to score well over 120 points per game. The Grizzlies managed to put up 132 points, with 66 of those coming in the paint.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite his offensive prowess, has appeared fatigued on the defensive end. Brook Lopez, usually a defensive anchor, struggled on both ends of the floor against Memphis.

Offensive Rebounding Woes

The Bucks’ inability to secure defensive rebounds has been a significant factor in their recent struggles. They’ve been outrebounded on the offensive glass in four straight games, giving opponents multiple second-chance opportunities.

This issue is exacerbated by the absence of Portis, who, despite not being known as a defensive specialist, contributes significantly to the team’s rebounding efforts.

Small Ball Lineups

With Portis out, the Bucks have been forced to experiment with small ball lineups. However, these configurations have proven ineffective, particularly on the defensive end. The lack of size and athleticism in these lineups has made it challenging for the Bucks to protect the rim and contest shots effectively.

As the Bucks prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next game, they’ll need to address these defensive issues and find ways to compensate for their lack of size. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be crucial as they look to regain their winning form.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ recent struggles, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.

Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:

  • Analysis of Damian Lillard’s recent shooting struggles
  • The impact of Khris Middleton’s inconsistent performances
  • Potential trade deadline moves for the Bucks
Bucks phone
YOUR TEAM. EVERY DAY… NOW IN A NEWSLETTER
I’m ready to get the best Bucks and NBA coverage in my inbox, for free.
LISTEN TO LOCKED ON BUCKS
   
   
WATCH FULL EPISODES