The Milwaukee Bucks have lost five games in a row.
The Milwaukee Bucks have looked lost on the court without star Giannis Antetokounmpo there with them.
The Greek Freak has been sidelined since Nov. 17 with a groin strain, and the Bucks have now lost five straight games, sinking their record to 8-10 on the year after a strong start to the season.
Antetokounmpo's absence has exposed gaping holes in the Bucks' offense, particular when it comes to ball movement, something that was apparent in Monday's 115-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) turns away from the court against the Portland Trail Blazers n the second half at Fiserv Forum. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images"It's as much of an offensive problem as it is a defensive problem. We're really struggling scoring," Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said (via Bucks).
The Bucks have struggled to settle in to a consistent offensive scheme without their star player, particular when it comes to drawing up offensive plays. A lack of assertiveness on the court has led to difficulty getting to the hoop, and Milwaukee's shooting hasn't been able to keep up with the deficits in their game.
The Bucks Need to Move the Ball More
Rivers is aware of these flaws when it comes to ball movement and setting up plays. Milwaukee's seem to have figured out what the Bucks have been trying to do and shut it down each time, making it harder for them to get points up on the board. That predictability in Milwaukee's offense without Antetokounmpo's explosiveness to overwhelm defenders has left them vulnerable.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) pushes the ball up the court against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images"Clearly ball movement. I think right now we're easier to guard. We're trying to run too many pick-and-rolls. We don't get off the ball. We're thinking about it. We know what we need to do we just need to execute it," Rivers said.
Ryan Rollins is All Alone
The standout on the court when it comes to facilitating plays for the Bucks has been guard Ryan Rollins. However, every team they play seems to know that too, and has zeroed in on Rollins to limit his playmaking ability, stifling Milwaukee's offensive potential. Rollins was held to just 10 points in the game, but he did log seven assists and five rebounds.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) defends against Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Michael McLoone-Imagn Images"I told our coaches, Ryan, next couple games they're gonna trap him, pressure him, try to speed him up because they know we don't have a lot of ball handling out there on the floor. We don't have a lot of ball handling on the team in that way."
Diversifying offensive plays and adding more fluidity to their passing will be key points for the Bucks to improve on. Antetokounmpo's impending return will surely add some life back to Milwaukee's offense, but being this figured out by opponents so early in the season is a bad spot to be in for any team, no matter the talent on the court to make up for it.