Bucks Struggle to Find Their Footing Without Giannis Antetokounmpo The Athletic Insight
The Milwaukee Bucks are currently facing significant challenges in their performance as they navigate the 2025-26 NBA season without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo. After suffering a left adductor strain, Antetokounmpo has been sidelined, leaving the team struggling to maintain its offensive output.
Bucks’ Ongoing Struggles Without Giannis Antetokounmpo
In a recent matchup, the Bucks lost to the Portland Trail Blazers with a final score of 115-103. This defeat marked the team’s fifth consecutive loss and highlighted their difficulties when both Antetokounmpo and starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. are unavailable.
Key Players Facing Injuries
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Suffered a left adductor strain; has been absent for three consecutive games.
- Kevin Porter Jr.: Out with an ankle sprain and recently underwent surgery for a torn meniscus; has played only nine minutes this season.
- Ryan Rollins: The Bucks’ standout player has struggled against defensive pressure in recent games, scoring only 10 points in the last outing.
Offensive Statistics Decline
The Bucks’ performance has notably worsened during Antetokounmpo’s absence. They are currently scoring:
| Statistic | With Antetokounmpo | Without Antetokounmpo |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating | 116.5 points per 100 possessions | 108.6 points per 100 possessions |
| Offensive Rebounds | 23.9% of misses | 17.8% of misses |
| Free-Throw Rate | 29th (17 free throws per 100 attempts) | 30th (11.1 free throws per 100 attempts) |
Coaching Insights
Coach Doc Rivers has expressed concern over the team’s performance issues. He pointed out the difficulty of creating scoring opportunities without Antetokounmpo’s presence, noting that defenses are focusing on disrupting Rollins, the team’s only fit playmaker.
As the team continues to adapt to the absence of their key player, Rivers and his coaching staff must explore solutions to enhance their offensive capabilities. With Antetokounmpo expected to return soon, time is crucial for the Bucks to develop a more effective plan moving forward.
In summary, the Milwaukee Bucks are currently struggling to find their footing without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team must collectively address their offensive shortcomings to regain momentum as they endure this challenging period.
