The Milwaukee Bucks found brief relief on Thursday, securing a much-needed victory over the Utah Jazz to end a six-game losing streak. This was their longest losing run since 2015, and the win offered a glimmer of hope. However, the excitement was short-lived as they were thoroughly outplayed by the New York Knicks the very next day, suffering a 116-94 defeat at Madison Square Garden. This loss left the Bucks feeling deflated, especially after the emotional lift from their recent win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo made his frustrations clear after the Knicks loss, expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s lack of effort. While the Bucks had competed hard in their previous three games, Antetokounmpo noted that they failed to show the same intensity against New York. He stressed that without giving maximum effort, the Bucks had no chance of winning, and their inability to compete from the start of the game was disheartening. With another tough matchup against the Boston Celtics looming, Antetokounmpo feared another heavy defeat unless the team raised its level of play.
Coach Doc Rivers shared Antetokounmpo’s concerns, emphasizing the disparity in effort between the two teams. He pointed to the Knicks’ seven offensive rebounds in the first quarter as a key indicator of their hustle. Rivers also recalled a moment in the first half when three of his players hesitated to dive for a loose ball, only to watch a Knicks player aggressively seize the opportunity. This moment highlighted the Bucks’ lack of physicality and urgency, which ultimately contributed to their lopsided defeat.
Beyond effort, the Bucks’ performance issues are also linked to their on-court struggles. Their defense, once one of the best in the league, has become a glaring weakness, especially when defending against pick-and-roll plays. Since trading away Jrue Holiday and acquiring Damian Lillard, the Bucks’ defensive rating has dropped significantly. The Knicks took advantage of this vulnerability, particularly Karl-Anthony Towns, who dominated the Bucks with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Bucks’ inability to handle such threats was evident in the game.
Offensively, the Bucks are also struggling to find their rhythm. Despite having two stars in Antetokounmpo and Lillard, their offense ranks 21st in the league. Rivers acknowledged that players like Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez need to contribute more, but Antetokounmpo stressed that the team’s bigger issue was a lack of consistent effort. Until the Bucks can match the intensity of their opponents and compete on every possession, Antetokounmpo believes that no amount of offensive or defensive adjustments will make a difference in their results. The team’s focus must shift to playing with urgency and commitment, or they will continue to face disappointing outcomes.
