The Milwaukee Bucks’ Emirates NBA Cup victory was expected to spark a dominant run. Instead, the team has struggled, dropping three of their next five games and slipping to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. Their recent struggles highlight key areas of concern, from shooting inefficiencies to defensive lapses. Here’s a closer look at the numbers behind Milwaukee’s post-Cup stretch.
Milwaukee Bucks Struggle After Emirates NBA Cup Victory: What’s Holding Them Back?
Star Absences After Emirates NBA Cup Victory
In their five games since the NBA Cup, the Bucks have posted a 2-3 record while averaging 108.2 points per game, which ranks in the bottom half of the league during this period. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard for much of this stretch, Milwaukee’s offensive and defensive ceilings have been limited.
Giannis played only once during this span, contributing a dominant 33 points and 14 rebounds, while Lillard also appeared in just one game, scoring 29 points but shooting an inefficient 42.1% from the field. Without their two stars, Milwaukee has relied heavily on Khris Middleton (19 points per game on 53.6% shooting) and Bobby Portis (18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds), but the lack of continuity has disrupted the team’s rhythm.
Shooting Struggles and Offensive Inconsistencies
Over the past five games, the Bucks have shot 45.3% from the field and 38.8% from three, numbers that are respectable but insufficient to dominate. In particular, despite a quality percentage, their three-point shooting has been inconsistent, with standout performances like 20 made threes against Washington contrasted by 33.3% from three in their most recent loss to Chicago.
Role players like Taurean Prince have seen their early-season efficiency vanish. Prince, who shot an elite 54.2% from three in October and November, has dropped to just 31.6% from three in December. Meanwhile, AJ Green has shot just 25% from beyond the arc in the last five games, further compounding the team’s offensive issues.
Gary Trent Jr. has been a bright spot off the bench over the past five games, averaging 11.6 points on 46.9% from the field and 44% from three, but the lack of consistent production from other contributors has placed significant pressure on the starters.
Turnovers and Defensive Issues
Turnovers have been a critical issue for the Bucks, averaging 15.4 per game in this stretch—well above their season average of 14.3 per game. Their sloppiness was particularly costly in their loss to Brooklyn, where they turned the ball over a season-high 22 times, nullifying their 49.4% shooting in that game.
Context Within the League
Compared to other teams during this stretch, the Bucks’ 108.2 points per game are well below surging teams like Cleveland (127.2 PPG) and Memphis (129.2 PPG). Similarly, their net rating of -1.2 highlights their struggles to dominate on either end of the floor, ranking them 16th in the league during this period.
Their shooting —45.3% from the field— are middle-of-the-pack compared to league leaders like the Nuggets (52.1% FG) and Cavaliers (50.6% FG).
Can Milwaukee Regain Momentum?
The Bucks’ post-Cup stretch has been a reality check for a team with championship aspirations. While their Emirates NBA Cup victory showcased their potential, this recent slump underscores the challenges they face without their stars. With Dame back and Giannis expected to return soon, Milwaukee has an opportunity to recalibrate. To do so, they’ll need to tighten up their turnovers and find consistency from their role players like Taurean Prince.
For now, Milwaukee’s Emirates NBA Cup victory stands as a reminder of the team’s potential. The challenge ahead lies in translating that success into sustained dominance as the season progresses.
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