The Milwaukee Bucks lost 118-99 to the Orlando Magic on Monday.
The Milwaukee Bucks had no answer for Orlando Magic on Monday in 118-99 loss that brought the Bucks' three-game winning streak to a grinding halt.
A clear defensive difference between the two teams spelled disaster for the Bucks. Orlando won the rebounding battle and created more shot opportunities than Milwaukee did and when it came down to it, the pressure that the Magic applied throughout the game scrambled the Bucks' defensive plans.
"They [Orlando] have a unique type of thing they do. Usually, one guy would pressure the ball but they send two on the ball," Kevin Porter Jr. said (via Bucks). "It's very sporadic to cause havoc and I think we just weren't factoring that in when we were up so it made us make some passes and make some decision that led to points in their end."
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) goes to the basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesAdjusting to Pace
Milwaukee's inability to handle pace from their opponents has been a recurring problem this season and while at times it seemed like a lack of effort wad to blame for that lack of pace, games like Monday's prove that the Bucks also have an inherent deficit in their ability to maintain their defense.
A big factor in that has been an over-reliance on Giannis Antetokounmpo to set the tone for the team's defense and to manage the physicality on the court, but with Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks have to reckon with the fact that the rest of the team now has to step up and contribute on the defensive end.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesHow to Respond
The Bucks have another chance to respond to the the Magic's pressure on Wednesday and Porter Jr. said that the Bucks' will have to both reflect on what actually happened in the game on Monday and study their film to have a different look at the double team's and blitzes that the Magic were using to throw them off.
Taking the time to learn from their mistakes and better prepare for the pace they'll be facing will be huge for the Bucks. They were starting to find some momentum ahead of Monday's loss and getting back into the swing of things with Porter Jr. back from injury, and there's no reason that should change because of Monday's loss.
Facing the Magic again so soon will be a test of the Bucks' ability to respond and see if they do have the capacity to make the meaningful changes to succeed both in their next game and the rest of the season.