The Milwaukee Bucks unsurprisingly lost again on Sunday night, dropping their third consecutive game in a narrow 103-100 setback against the Minnesota Timbewolves. The Bucks now sit at a disappointing 11-18 on the season as the loss marks Milwaukee’s 13th in their last 16 games after an 8-5 start. 

In the Bucks’ defense, they’ve only had Giannis Antetokounmpo available for 17 games this season. Not to mention, we’re mere weeks removed from initial reports that Giannis was supposedly moving forward on the long-awaited trade request that has been hanging over the franchise for a handful of years now, which certainly couldn’t have been good for morale.

Despite falling short on Sunday, the Bucks looked far more competitive against the Timberwolves than they have in most of their recent losses. Kevin Porter Jr. led the way with 24 points, while Bobby Portis provided a spark on both ends of the floor while scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. 

Following the game, Portis explained what went wrong for the Bucks in the loss and why they weren’t able to cross the finish line with a positive result in tow.

“Just them getting extra possessions on offensive rebounds,” Portis said. “That was a big emphasis of ours right before the game started. Obviously, they played OKC a couple nights ago, and they dominated them on the glass. Big team, so there were offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities. Then they were cashing in on their threes as well.”

As far as silver linings go, Portis and offseason acquisition Myles Turner have shown promise as a frontcourt duo in Antetokounmpo’s absence. The wins haven't come yet, but both players appear to be finding a rhythm on the floor together after Turner left the Indiana Pacers to join the Bucks.

"It's good (playing with him), man,” Portis said. “Basketball is more of a reading, reacting type of game now. So just having multiple guys that can get the ball going side to side, not getting the ball stuck with one person or whatever it is. 

“It’s more of a side-to-side game now. Getting a lot of people involved, getting actions involved, and getting player movement involved to create advantages on offense. He's a guy that could do that as well. Then defense, obviously, protecting the rim and planning that drop.  So he's a good get for us. I wish we had gotten a win tonight, but so many positives that we could take.”