The Milwaukee Bucks have faced significant challenges over the past week and a half, losing five of their last seven games. Their recent struggles have seen them trailing by 25 or more points during three of those losses. Currently, the Bucks hold a disappointing record of 18-25, with their recent defeats coming against formidable Western Conference teams. A concerning trend has emerged during this rough patch: Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s two-time MVP, has seen a notable decrease in his shot attempts.
Reviewing Antetokounmpo’s scoring in the last six matchups reveals this shift clearly. In games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder, his point totals have hovered around 19 to 31 points. However, during the last five games, he has taken the fewest shots of his season, averaging significantly less than in previous stretches.
Antetokounmpo himself acknowledged this perplexing situation. “I’m not the guy that will yell and cuss his teammates out and demand the ball,” he stated when discussing how to reclaim more offensive opportunities. “But I feel like I’ve played with teammates that understand the gravity that I can cause for our team and how I can create for my teammates.” He speculated that the reasons for this drop-off could range from the youth of his teammates to a possible desire among others to step up and lead.
The Bucks have recently revised their offensive strategy, placing more emphasis on Antetokounmpo as a screen setter for younger guards, such as Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, rather than focusing predominantly on him as a playmaker. This adjustment has resulted in a higher rate of screens set by Antetokounmpo, but unfortunately, this has not translated into increased efficiency, as the team’s points per screen have declined. This strategic pivot, while aimed at diversifying the offense, has raised concerns that it limits Antetokounmpo’s opportunities to score directly.
Head Coach Doc Rivers emphasized the need for improvement in executing plays to ensure Antetokounmpo gets better positioning, especially noted during a specific play against the Thunder where he went unutilized in a prime scoring position.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t shied away from addressing the larger team dynamics either, expressing frustration over a perceived lack of teamwork and focus. He noted that players seem more preoccupied with individual performances rather than contributing towards collective success. “We’re not playing hard, not doing the right things,” he remarked. “Guys trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team.”
Despite the current struggles, there is room for optimism. The Bucks have a talented roster, and with adjustments to better facilitate Antetokounmpo’s scoring potential, they can turnaround their season. The commitment to improve teamwork and share the ball could ultimately lead to stronger performances and a resurgence in their competitiveness in the league. Given their history of resilience, the Bucks and their fans remain hopeful that the team can find its rhythm again in the coming games.