© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
"It's everything overall" – Giannis Antetokounmpo on what’s plaguing the Milwaukee Bucks lately
The dark cloud hanging over the Milwaukee Bucks franchise has become a full-fledged storm. Losers of four of their last five games, the Bucks may not be pushing the panic button yet, but nothing appears to be going their way during this bleak stretch. According to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, it's not only their defense that's lacking but their overall approach to the game.
Lackluster defense
The Bucks' lackluster defense has much to do with their downward trend. Over the last five games, Milwaukee has allowed their opponents to rack up an average of 125 points per game, including a whopping 142, which the Pacers scored a few weeks ago. Despite numerous calls by Giannis to tighten up and play with more intensity, the Bucks have struggled to find their defensive identity.
The Bucks' defensive struggles can be likened to a pervasive ailment, seeping through the entire team and adversely impacting their offensive abilities.
"It's not just the defense," Giannis said.
"It's everything overall. Offense, defense, every little thing matters."
One player who's going through it is superstar guard Damian Lillard. While his average of 22.0 points over the last five games may look robust, he's shooting just 38.8 percent from the field over that span, including an abysmal 18 percent from long range.
Fans react
The Fiserv Forum has always been a haven for the Bucks. But even that has been affected by their recent struggles on both ends of the court. In their last contest versus the Utah Jazz, the Bucks fell behind by 33 points in the first half, and the fans let them hear about it.
"I heard it," Khris Middleton said of the boos that rang out inside the Fiserv Forum.
"It's tough. I don't have much to say about that. I mean, it happens sometimes, but hopefully it won't happen again."
