Bucks Stumble in Portland: Analyzing a Tough Loss and Khris Middleton’s Struggles
The Milwaukee Bucks’ road trip hit a major speed bump in Portland, as they suffered a disappointing loss to the Trail Blazers. This game was reminiscent of last year’s defeat in Portland, but with an even more bitter taste. The Bucks struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half, and were unable to mount a comeback against a determined Blazers squad.
One of the most glaring issues for the Bucks was their inability to stack defensive stops. Every time Milwaukee scored, Portland seemed to have an answer, making it impossible to erase the deficit. The point of attack defense, which had been a problem in the previous game against the Clippers, continued to be a weak spot. The Blazers’ offense dictated the flow of the game, and the Bucks’ defense offered little resistance.
While the offense wasn’t completely stagnant, scoring 112 points, it lacked the fluidity and ball movement we’ve come to expect from this team. The iso-heavy approach made it difficult for players to get into a rhythm, and the lack of touches for some key players was evident.
Khris Middleton’s performance, or lack thereof, was particularly concerning. Middleton went scoreless in just 16 minutes of play, attempting only two shots. This comes on the heels of his strongest game of the season against the Jazz, where he looked aggressive and efficient. The foul trouble he encountered early in the game disrupted his rhythm, but the lack of involvement in the offense is a trend that needs to be addressed.
Head coach Doc Rivers expressed his frustration with Middleton’s lack of shot attempts, calling it “inexcusable.” Rivers emphasized the need for Middleton to be more involved in the offense, especially on nights when the team is missing key players like AJ Green and Bobby Portis.
The Bucks’ inconsistency continues to be a major concern. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance and the ability to beat anyone when playing their best basketball, they’ve also demonstrated vulnerability against teams they should handle easily. As the schedule intensifies in the coming weeks, finding consistency will be crucial for Milwaukee’s success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ loss in Portland and Khris Middleton’s struggles, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Analysis of the Blazers’ offensive strategy and how it exploited the Bucks’ defense
• The impact of fatigue on the Bucks’ performance in back-to-back games
• Looking ahead to the upcoming challenging schedule and its implications for the team
