The reason for the Bucks' slow start to the season

Through the first 9 games last season, the Bucks were top of the East with a 9-0 record. They start this season 5-4.

Matthew Dugandzic | Nov 13, 2023

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Milwaukee Bucks

To start the season, the Bucks have been very up and down, as shown by their 5-4 record through the first 9 games. In their season opener, the Bucks handed the Philadelphia 76ers their first and only loss so far this season. Since then, it’s been a bumpy ride.

Margin of Error

Other than the loss against the Indiana Pacers, in which the Bucks lost by just 2 points, each of the other Bucks' losses has been by 15 or more points. In 3 of their 4 losses, they have given up more than 125 points on defense and are currently ranked 25th in the NBA in overall Defensive Rating.

None of the Bucks' wins so far have been blowouts, but when they can keep games close to within 10 points, they are 5-1. However, when opponents get hot quickly and Milwaukee's offense starts slow, games have gotten out this season.

The Bucks have allowed the 22nd-highest field goal percentage to opponents this season, 48.1%, which is higher than the percentage they are making shots, 47.9% (9th in the NBA).

Piecing it all Together

The Bucks have had scoring outbursts from both Giannis and summer acquisition Damian Lillard. In Lillard’s Bucks debut, he dropped 39 points to lead the Bucks to their first win, 118-117, against the 76ers.

Less than two weeks later, Giannis Antetokounmpo put up a 54-point double-double, but it wasn’t enough to put the Bucks past the Pacers, losing 126-124.

Despite being able to produce impressive scoring performances on a nightly basis, it often isn’t enough if the defense can’t hold up as well. The Bucks are currently 9th in points per game, averaging 115.7, but are 25th in Opponent points per game, allowing an average of 119.3.

If the Bucks can sort out their defense, they can begin their climb back to the 1 seed in the East from their current 8th position. Milwaukee will look to get a win tonight against the Bulls following back-to-back losses the past two games.

GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks try to end two-game slump against the Chicago Bulls

Published Nov 13, 2023

MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.