The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a challenging stretch, having dropped four of their last five games, all against teams with sub-.500 records. This recent slump has raised questions about what’s ailing the team and how they can get back on track.
The latest loss to the Portland Trail Blazers (105-102) followed a familiar script. The Bucks got off to another slow start in the first quarter, though they managed to lead by three going into the second. The game remained tight, with the Blazers taking a slight edge at halftime. The third quarter looked shaky before the Bucks rallied to enter the fourth down by just one point.
In the clutch moments, we witnessed some uncharacteristic mistakes. A crucial turnover in the final seconds, stemming from a miscommunication between Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis, proved costly. This play epitomized recent struggles with execution and ball movement.
Defensively, the Bucks are allowing too many open shots and struggling with rotations. Opponents are finding rhythm and confidence, which is particularly dangerous against teams with nothing to lose. Offensively, we’re seeing poor ball movement and too many quick shots.
Impact of Recent Illness
The recent illness that swept through the team has clearly taken its toll. Giannis Antetokounmpo mentioned in his post-game comments that he’s still working to get back to his pre-illness form. His shooting efficiency, particularly at the rim, has dropped significantly since his return.
Damian Lillard is also struggling to find his shot, with one of his worst shooting nights of the year against Portland. Since returning to the lineup, he’s averaged only 19 points per game on 32% shooting.
Reintegrating Khris Middleton
The return of Khris Middleton to the starting lineup has added another layer of complexity. While Middleton showed promise during Dame and Giannis’s absence, the team is still working to find the right chemistry with all three on the court together.
Coach Doc Rivers acknowledged that bringing Middleton back into the starting lineup has impacted the team’s rhythm. It’s a situation that requires careful consideration and potentially some lineup adjustments moving forward.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ recent struggles and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
- Detailed analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers game
- Giannis and Dame’s post-game comments
- The impact of the NBA Cup run on the team’s current form
