The onset of horrific results has led to several concerns in Wisconsin. Apart from the Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks have lost games they would have felt they should have won with the roster they have. The problems have been stacking for Doc Rivers, who candidly spoke about their failures following a landslide loss to Memphis. “They got wherever they want,” he commented on his teams’ defensive woes. His approach seemed brutal, pinning not just himself but also the players’ errors in their disastrous start. But it’s an approach that seems to be working.

Damian Lillard, a gargantuan star, got in to aid Giannis Antetokounmpo in his championship quest amid an unflattering shooting lump. He only scored four points, unable to convert a single three. But after the game, his criticism extended to the Bucks’ defensive struggles. Notably, their inability to preempt transitions.

“I think just sometimes the ball is, we shoot, and it looks like Giannis or Brook might get it, so we waiting around. And then the ball gets tipped, and they gone. So because we was waiting around, you know, maybe at the three-point line these guys running out and getting behind us,” he explained.

Furthermore, he also spoke about over-committing to the temptations to bag a steal. Tonight, that exact mistake caused them to leave the paint unattended, forcing both Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez to be on the ball. The Grizzlies, who played without Desmond Bane, generated 68 paint points, the most the Bucks have allowed this season.

Their defensive shortcomings have led to embarrassing losses. Each of their last four results has had a double-digit separation from their opponents. One thing is for sure, the Bucks need a fix. But where are they lacking exactly?

One too many mistakes for Damian Lillard and the Bucks

It’s narrow to view the Bucks’ defense to be weak. As far as their paint defense goes, powered by the Greek Freak and Lopez, two shot-blocking masters, Milwaukee allows the 13th least paint points. Prior to the Grizzlies’ downpour, Milwaukee tied for the second-least points allowed in the paint. Their slip-up comes in defending the backcourt. In each of their losses, the guards have flourished, dictating the tempo and leading the surge.

When defending the pick-and-roll ball handler, generally shifty guards, the Milwaukee Bucks are allowing 1.10 points per possession. That’s the worst in the league. Furthermore, their isolation and off-screen defense lack equally. Tonight, Ja Morant exploited those holes, going off for a triple-double and facilitating the offense all by himself.

As far as their offense goes, there is a severe problem of distribution. The Bucks seem to lack a distinguished third option that they can defer to when Antetokounmpo and Lillard are swarmed by defenses. Their third-leading scorer, Brook Lopez, is averaging only 11.4 points per game. While his conversion has lacked, it’s linked to him only shooting the ball 10 times per game.

There are some glaring holes the Milwaukee Bucks have on both sides of the floor. They aren’t irreparable, but will require assembly to fix. Neither offense nor defense can be a one or two-man job. Without unison, the Deers will remain the prey. How do you think the Bucks can deal with their issues? Let us know your views in the comments below.