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Milwaukee Bucks: Navigating Early Season Struggles
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.|Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a challenging start to the season, marked by a six-game losing streak. The recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite a valiant effort without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, highlights the issues the Bucks are grappling with.
Bucks’ Performance Without Key Players
The absence of Antetokounmpo and Middleton has left a significant void in the Bucks’ lineup. Bobby Portis stepped up in Antetokounmpo’s place, delivering a commendable performance with 21 points and 18 rebounds. However, the team’s inability to maintain momentum, especially in the fourth quarter, remains a concern. The Bucks managed to claw back from a 19-point deficit, only to falter in the final minutes, underscoring the need for better situational awareness and decision-making.
Emerging Talent: AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr.
Amidst the struggles, there are bright spots: AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. have shown promise. Green, in particular, impressed with his shooting prowess, tying his career high with seven three-pointers. Jackson Jr. brought energy and defensive tenacity, qualities that the Bucks desperately need. Their contributions could be pivotal as the team looks to turn its season around.
The coaching staff is likely encouraged by the competitive spirit shown in recent games, but moral victories are not enough. The team needs to translate effort into actual wins to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Bucks’ early-season woes are compounded by the integration of new additions like Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright. Trent Jr. has struggled with consistency, and the team is experimenting with his role to maximize his impact. Prince and Wright have also faced challenges, partly due to the absence of key players, which has forced them into unfamiliar roles.
Despite these hurdles, there is potential for improvement. The Bucks have shown flashes of brilliance, and with the return of Antetokounmpo and Middleton, they could regain their competitive edge. The upcoming games present an opportunity to build momentum and improve their standing in the conference.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Milwaukee Bucks’ early season challenges and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
Analysis of the Bucks’ defensive strategies and areas for improvement
In-depth discussion on the impact of Chris Middleton’s absence
Evaluating the performance of new additions to the Bucks’ roster
Predictions for the Bucks’ upcoming games and potential outcomes
Here’s something I love: The Detroit Pistons with a win record of 3-5, better than the combined record of the Bucks and the Sixers. Given Detroit’s slow start to the season, and that lopsided match against the Knicks last Friday, I thought we were in for another season where the best the Pistons could hope for was besting their last season record of 14-68.
Yes, there could still be a slump; yes, the play-in still feels like an aspirational goal for this team, but neither of those outcomes takes away from the truth of the matter which is, the league is better when the Pistons are competitive.
This is a franchise with a proud, hard-fought history, a winning history, and one that’s been hard to see these last few seasons under the tarnish of poor decision making and ill-timed coaching fits. Going back to Cade Cunningham’s rookie season, coached by Dwane Casey, that team and the iterations that followed were too good to be as bad as they appeared. Casey — who transitioned into a front office role with the team last season —is a great coach, if a touch old fashioned. Admittedly, I miss being more proximal to him for the Casey-isms alone he’d offer, e.g. More than one way to skin a cat. A front office, mentorship-driven fit was always the goal of Casey even as head coach, given the rebuilding stage the team was in and how in two years its median age of players dipped to one of the youngest in the league.
Skip to last season, Monty Williams’ brief tenure and that dismal aforementioned season record, and rather than treat it as an unfortunate blip, the Pistons young talent took it as a lesson. Cade is in his fourth season and has lost more than any of his five draft contemporaries he was in the running for Rookie of the Year with. Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Franz Wagner — these guys have certainly seen slumps, the nature of the Draft dictates likely being drafted to a struggling or rebuilding team, but they’ve also had their share of successes. Enough to keep them growing and developing. Cade has, in almost every way, had to take it upon himself to sift the lessons from the seasonal wreckage and keep his hope alive. That takes an incredible amount of discipline and fortitude.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Personnel Doc Rivers finally explains Rajon Rondo’s coaching role with the Bucks, hinting at unique strategic insights. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Giannis Antetokounmpo has a surprising reaction to the Bucks’ recent losing streak, signaling optimism amid challenges. (Sports Illustrated)
Feel good The Pistons had to take the subway to their game in Brooklyn because of the NYC marathon (ESPN)
Analysis Will the NBA pinpoint its 3 point problem? (TSA, Substack)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Is It Truly A Zach Edey Fantasy Basketball Breakout?
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) and forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center.|Photo by Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action was packed with thrilling games and standout performances, offering plenty of insights for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key matchups and player performances that could impact your fantasy strategy.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bucks faced off against the Cavaliers in a closely contested game, with Cleveland edging out Milwaukee 116-114. Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined with an adductor issue, which opened the door for Bobby Portis to shine. Portis delivered an impressive 21 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing his potential when given extended minutes. Damian Lillard also had a strong outing with 36 points and seven assists, while Brook Lopez contributed defensively with four steals and two blocks.
Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards
The Warriors secured a road victory against the Wizards, 125-112. Stephen Curry returned to action, scoring 24 points in limited minutes. Buddy Hield continued his hot streak with 20 points, but his current shooting efficiency may not be sustainable. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole put up 24 points, but his high block and steal numbers suggest a potential sell-high opportunity.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons pulled off a win against the Lakers, 115-103. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both had strong performances, with Davis scoring 37 points despite an ankle injury scare. Jaden Ivey impressed for Detroit, solidifying his status as a must-roster player with his improved play this season.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
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