Before the NBA season resumed in the bubble in Orlando, Milwaukee Bucks were considered as one of the most favourites to win the title. However, it hasn’t been an ideal return for the Bucks since the season has started.
The Bucks have played eight matches after the resumption and they have won only three whereas they have lost five matches. The Bucks have not found the impetus like the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the previous season Most Valuable player, hasn’t been at his best. The 25-year star player is averaging 29.5 points per game, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists in this season so far. However, Antetokounmpo’s numbers aren’t that impressive since the season has restarted.
The youngster was also suspended for the regular season’s last match against Grizzlies when he had headbutted Washington Wizards’ Moe Wagner in the previous match. The Bucks lost their match against the Memphis Grizzlies by 119-106.
However, Milwaukee Bucks still ended at the first position in the Eastern Conference with 56 wins and 17 losses but their poor form is a cause of concern before the playoff stages.
Antetokounmpo admitted that it has been frustrating for the team as they haven’t been able to put a collective effort on the court.
“It wasn’t frustrating because we were losing. Like, losing is part of basketball, losing is part of the game. But, obviously, what was frustrating because at times I think we weren’t ourselves,” Antetokounmpo said after Saturday’s practice.
“We weren’t moving the ball as much as I wanted to move the ball or as much as [coach Mike Budenholzer] wanted us to move the ball. We weren’t defending as hard. As I said, there were times that we were ourselves, where we were the No. 1 team in the league on defense. But there were times that we showed that and there were times that we didn’t.”
There is no doubt that the Bucks will need to pull up their socks in the playoff stages. They would need to tick the right boxes and they should be at the top of their game. The Bucks will face Orlando Magic in the first conference round on August 18.
