Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 124-119 loss to Cleveland Cavaliers

Foul problems

At seemingly every point in Tuesday night’s game the Bucks were in foul trouble. Early on it was John Henson, who picked up five in only 18 minutes of play. Later in the game, Giannis was also impacted, fouling out late in the fourth quarter.

The foul trouble had a huge impact on Kidd’s lineups and hindered the Bucks throughout the game. Without a strong, veteran center to combat Kevin Love, the Bucks were a sieve in the low-post, allowing 9-of-14 to Love without a single three-point attempt.

The fouls also allowed the Cavs to score 33 efficient points with no resistance. The Cavs shot 86.8 percent from the line on Tuesday, including Love’s 14-of-16 night.

It’s hard for any defense to be effective when handing out free points, and it’s particularly hard when facing one of the best offenses in the league.

Kidd was upset after the game with the referees, and perhaps with good reason. Playing against the Cavaliers in Quicken Loans Arena, it is possible for a team to be given the short-end of the stick. However, fouls have been a significant problem for the Bucks to start the year, and theycurrently commit the third most fouls in the NBA, only behind the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.

When the whistle is going against you this often, perhaps it’s time for the Bucks to take a long, hard look in the mirror.