The Milwaukee Bucks’ struggles deepened after a disappointing defeat, a game where they failed to capitalize on key star’s absence. The loss further exposed glaring weaknesses that have plagued the team throughout the season, particularly on both ends of the court.
Coming out of the All-Star break, the Bucks seemed to have found some stability, but their recent stretch against top-tier competition has quickly unraveled that progress. The loss of Jericho Sims for at least four weeks is a major setback, as his presence had helped solidify a vulnerable frontcourt. Without him, Milwaukee is once again struggling with the same defensive lapses that haunted them earlier in the year.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Tuesday night’s defeat wasn’t just the loss itself, but the manner in which it happened. Even with the Warriors missing their best player, the Bucks were held to their lowest-scoring game of the season. Offensively, they looked disjointed and sluggish, failing to generate consistent looks. Defensively, they lacked the athleticism and energy Sims had been providing. It’s telling that a player earning just $2 million this season had become so crucial to Milwaukee’s success—yet this is the current state of the team.
Frontcourt Woes Deepen as Bucks Search for Answers
Brook Lopez had a respectable offensive showing, finishing with 16 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting (70 percent), including 2-of-4 from deep. However, on the defensive end, he was consistently exposed by Golden State’s quicker, more agile frontcourt. Rookie Quinten Post, the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a standout performance with 14 points, taking full advantage of Lopez’s slower foot speed.
Sims had been a valuable piece, providing Milwaukee with a different dynamic compared to Lopez. His ability to cover ground defensively, switch on the perimeter, and protect the rim allowed the Bucks to experiment with versatile lineups. Now, without Sims, they are falling back into the same early-season struggles—Lopez being forced out to the perimeter where he is less effective and the team’s overall defensive intensity diminishing.
Kyle Kuzma has provided some scoring punch since arriving in Milwaukee, but opposing defenses are giving him open perimeter looks and daring him to take them. Against Golden State, he shot 5-of-13 from deep (38.5 percent), slightly above his season average, but teams continue to focus on limiting Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s offensive impact. As a result, the Bucks are struggling to create high-percentage opportunities, with their role players failing to step up consistently.
What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch for Milwaukee
The West Coast road trip has only further exposed Milwaukee’s flaws. The team needs answers—fast. With both Sims and Bobby Portis sidelined, the Bucks are dangerously thin in the frontcourt. Coach Doc Rivers may be forced to rely on Tyler Smith, who has yet to see significant minutes this season. Another potential option could be shifting Giannis to the center position and restructuring the lineup around him. However, doing so would demand increased contributions from multiple role players who have been inconsistent at best.
At this stage, the Bucks are left with limited options. They could explore the 10-day contract market for temporary help, but with the postseason approaching, that move is unlikely to be a game-changer. Instead, the coaching staff must focus on finding internal solutions—adjusting rotations, maximizing defensive schemes, and figuring out a way to keep the offense from becoming so predictable.
As the playoffs inch closer, Milwaukee cannot afford to keep relying on Sims as a vital fix-all piece. They need to find sustainable solutions on both ends of the floor before these issues become insurmountable in the postseason.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Milwaukee Bucks as they look to navigate this challenging stretch.
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