The Milwaukee Bucks began their season with promise, achieving a win against the Philadelphia 76ers in their opener, largely due to Damian Lillard’s impressive 30-point performance. However, the initial success quickly turned sour as Lillard struggled significantly in subsequent games, notably going 6 for 33 from three-point range.
The Bucks have now faced four consecutive losses, culminating in a disheartening 122-99 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, a team missing key players. Lillard’s performance in this game was particularly disappointing, as he only managed to score four points on 1 of 12 shooting, marking a stark contrast from his strong start.
In the aftermath of the loss to Memphis, the Bucks displayed a concerning lack of energy and effort, suggesting deeper issues within the team. Coach Doc Rivers addressed the team’s poor discipline, highlighting repeated defensive lapses that allowed easy scoring opportunities for opponents.
Rivers expressed frustration, indicating that the players were not fully absorbing the lessons taught during practice. His comments emphasized the need for accountability and improvement, suggesting that the team’s failures were not just a matter of individual performance but reflected a collective inability to execute.
The Bucks’ struggles extend beyond Lillard’s shooting woes; the overall team performance has been lackluster. The offense has faltered, ranking 26th in assists per game, with only 20 recorded in the latest loss, many coming late in a game already out of reach.
Defensively, the team ranks among the bottom ten in the league, with only Brook Lopez providing any semblance of stability. Furthermore, their three-point shooting has been dismal, with a team average of 30.6%, putting them among the worst in the league alongside the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz.
Critics are questioning whether the return of Khris Middleton, who is recovering from ankle surgery, will be enough to turn the season around. Concerns have been raised about Middleton’s declining performance, which adds to doubts about his ability to rejuvenate the team upon his return.
The outlook remains bleak, especially considering Rivers’ track record since taking over as coach. The Bucks have posted a disappointing 20-27 record under his leadership, raising concerns about the effectiveness of his strategies and whether he can improve the team’s fortunes.
With the team’s current trajectory, speculation is growing regarding the future of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Reports indicate that if the team’s struggles continue, there is increasing confidence among league insiders that he could become a trade target.
Given the recent performances and the team’s overall lack of cohesion, the potential for a turnaround seems unlikely. As the Bucks grapple with these challenges, the pressing question remains whether they can find the necessary adjustments and motivation to salvage their season before it spirals further out of control.
