The Milwaukee Bucks, touted as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, are off to a precarious start. But despite their 2-2 win-loss record for the 2023-24 NBA season, Milwaukee is not in trouble even with ugly losses against the Hawks and Raptors.
The Bucks are coming off two eye-popping losses. The first game against the Atlanta Hawks, 127-110, on Sunday, October 29. Their second loss for the season came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, 130-111, on Wednesday, November 1, ESPN reported.
The Bucks do have two wins to show against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat thus far. However, those victories were close, raising questions that the Bucks could be in trouble.
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Way too early to count out the Bucks
Understandably, there are high expectations for the Bucks. After acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee found itself catapulted to the top of the list as far as team chances of winning the NBA title.
The entry of the seven-time All-Star was not expected to be a walk in the park. Adjustments will be needed, and that is showing at the moment. Lillard struggled in those two losses, and it may take more games for the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year to blend in with Giannis Antetokounmpo and company.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's sense of urgency
Aside from Lillard, there is the fact that the Bucks have a new head coach in Adrian Griffin. That adds to the chemistry problem, although two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will not accept those as an excuse, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
"Okay, we can make excuses - there's a new player, there's a new coach, there's a new coach - we can keep on making excuses and think that it's going to be okay, but that doesn't work in life. That doesn't work like that."
Bucks losses are timely
The Bucks view their recent losses as a good thing, something that will help them get better. Rather than suffer them in the latter and important stages, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin bats that these only show the chinks in the armor, which they can improve as the season progresses.
"Sometimes getting embarrassed is good because it forces you to focus on doing the right things consistently," the first-year Bucks head coach said.
Finally, there is also a defense that many will tie to the exit of Jrue Holiday. The Bucks are expected to have trouble in this department, and it is one area that Griffin is expected to address as the 2023-24 season goes along.
The good news for the Bucks is that they are only four games into the season. Despite their struggles, Milwaukee is expected to figure it out eventually.
They face the New York Knicks on Friday, November 3, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. E.T. The Bucks are picked as favorites over the 2-3 Knicks per USA Today.
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