Health is the issue for THe defending champs
(Matt York/AP)
On Sunday night, the Bucks fell to the Utah Jazz 107-95. This loss resulted in them falling to 3-4 on the season. While it is still very early in the season, the Bucks are experiencing a bit of a championship hangover. After a solid 3-1 start, Milwaukee has now dropped three in a row at home. Only seven games into the season, panic is not necessary, but what do the Deer have to do to get back on track?
Positives
Despite the disappointing start, there have been a number of bright spots through the first seven games. The first, Grayson Allen. Allen has averaged almost 14 ppg game this season while being a difference maker on the defensive end. His play style has fit very well with the Milwaukee offense, and he has given the team consistent minutes so far. Another bright spot is none other than Giannis. There seems to be no championship rust for Giannis as he is averaging 27.3 ppg on 53% percent shooting. Not only has he dominated the paint, he has been on point with his jumpshots from mid-range. Not to mention his 40 point 16 rebound performance against Minnesota. Finally, the team is playing hard. While this sounds like a given, sometimes teams coming off a championship can lack energy. This is understandable after a draining season with no disappointment to motivate you from the year prior. The Bucks have been playing with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor.
Negatives
It’s no secret that the Bucks should be off to a better start. One thing they need to improve upon is their three point shooting. As a team, the Bucks are shooting just 31% from distance. Consistent three point shooting is important to space the floor and allow Giannis to work around the basket. Health issues have been another major concern. Holiday, Lopez, Divincenzo, Hood, Portis, Ojeleye, and Middleton have all missed games this season. In fact, the Bucks have been without at least two regular starters in most of the games so far. Injuries are a natural part of basketball, but having so many starters hurt is difficult for any team to overcome.
Solution
Stay calm Bucks fans. The solution is very simple. Milwaukee has to get healthy. With one of the shortest off-seasons in NBA history, we knew the team would be a bit banged up. Portis, Ojeleye and Hood have all been slowly increasing their minutes and should be at full-go soon. Middleton was out Sunday with an illness, so he should be back very soon as well. Holiday and Lopez’s injuries aren’t too serious, and they should be back within the next couple of weeks. All things considered a 3-4 start isn’t too bad. When the Bucks are at full strength, they remain one of the best, if not the best team in the league. Once they get everyone back in full swing they will be extremely difficult to beat.