The Milwaukee Bucks entered the new NBA season with high expectations and an electrifying win against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the early optimism quickly hit a snag as the team stumbled into a four-game losing streak. The initial victory on their home court was quickly overshadowed by ongoing struggles, culminating in a humbling loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, 122-99.
For the season opener, the Bucks capitalized on the absence of the 76ers' key players, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Despite this advantage, the team's current predicament shines a stark light on underlying issues that require urgent attention.
Highs and Lows for Lillard
Damian Lillard, who joined the Bucks with much fanfare, was sensational during the opening win, scoring 30 points and nailing six out of 12 three-point attempts. The anticipation surrounding his addition to the roster seemed justified as he seamlessly integrated into the team's dynamic. However, post-opener performances have raised eyebrows. Since that game, Lillard has managed only six successful three-pointers in 33 attempts—a statistic that mirrors the team’s erratic offensive output.
Adding to the growing concern was Lillard’s performance against the Grizzlies, where he was clearly off his game. Scoring only four points and connecting on just one of 12 shots, Lillard struggled to find his rhythm as the Bucks faltered defensively and offensively.
Struggles on Both Ends
The loss to the Grizzlies was not an isolated case of poor shooting. It was emblematic of a broader defensive frailty that has plagued the Bucks. Currently ranked among the bottom 10 in league defense, the team has been repeatedly outpaced and outmaneuvered by opponents. The defeat against Memphis saw them conceding gaping lanes and uncontested shots, with the opposition exploiting their vulnerabilities almost at will.
Head coach Doc Rivers, who took the helm from Adrian Griffin last season, articulated his frustration candidly. "It's discipline, period," Rivers emphasized. "At some point there has to be consequences for it. Just too many times they ran behind us today. Over and over again. I mean, bigs running behind us for lobs. That just can't happen. It's not like we don't work on that every day, but we are not working on it well enough, because if we were they wouldn't be doing it. Again, I keep going back to me. There's something they're not hearing that I'm telling them, and I gotta do a better job."
An Uneven Offensive Flow
While defense remains a pressing problem, the Bucks' offense has hardly fared better. With a three-point success rate of just 30.6%, consistent scoring has been elusive. The team also ranks 26th in assists per game, a significant indicator of stagnant ball movement and a lack of cohesiveness on the court. The game against Memphis highlighted these shortcomings, with the Bucks managing only 20 assists.
The Road to Recovery
Doc Rivers's record of 20-27 since assuming the coaching role underscores the need for a recalibration of strategies and perhaps even personnel roles. Finding that balance is crucial for a roster that should be contending at the highest levels but currently finds itself grappling at the fringes.
As the season progresses, Lillard's shooting and overall impact on games will be under the microscope, as will the team's defensive setups and strategic adjustments. For now, the Bucks find themselves needing to revisit their approach, to galvanize a turnaround from their less-than-stellar start. While the foundation of a strong team exists, unlocking its potential remains the task at hand.