The Bucks entering this game are on a three game losing streak. Losing to the Suns, Jazz and Thunder. All these games have been without All-star point guard Jrue Holiday. The Bucks have been struggling lately on the defensive end of the floor. They are used to being a top tier defensive team but as of lately they are one of the worst in the leagues.
The Bucks and Raptors were off to hot starts from the field. Kyle Lowry was 7 for 12 from the the field and he only played 22 minutes before hurting his ankle at the end of the first half. The Bucks went up 12 in the second quarter and that lead evaporated within a couple of minutes. Middleton had another bad game going 4-8 from the field and 1-3 from the three point line. The fact that Middleton only had 8 shots is terrible for our second leading scorer.
The first half was all about Pat Connaughton. He was 4 for 5 on threes along with 2 blocks in the first half. He was putting on a show for the people of Milwaukee. Giannis of course had another monster night putting up 34 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
Entering the second half it was a neck and neck game until the Raptors just kept draining threes. This has been the recipe all year to beat the Bucks. It seems year after year it has been the same discussion about the defense. This team is too good to be losing 4 games a row. This is the first time happening since the 2019 eastern conference finals against the Raptors.
As a Bucks fam I am worried. The Raptors shot 40% from 3 and teams have been doing that all year against the Bucks. Our defensive scheme is one of the worst in the NBA and if it doesn’t change soon we will not make it far in the playoffs. The time to win for Milwaukee is now.
Key Takeaways
The Bucks need help on the defensive end on the floor specifically at center. Brook Lopez cannot guard anyone and he has been a reliability all year. Donte DiVincenzo needs to step up. He is in his third year and needs to learn how to be more physical on both ends of the floor. Jrue Holiday is still out and it looks like he is the Bucks glue guy. Once he gets back our team will look entirely different. Khris Middleton can’t be inconsistent. He needs to figure it out.