Early 2021-22 Milwaukee Bucks’ stats that should be cause for concern

Can the Milwaukee Bucks work on these flaws moving forward?

The defending champions also deserve the benefit of the doubt after just a few games. Lineup instability can affect a team in more ways than just their available personnel, and the countless unique lineups they field likely have a dramatic effect on their on-court chemistry. For instance, the trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday has only played in five games together, and they have won every single one of those. They are lethal when healthy.

Despite the lack of cohesiveness and competitive edge, the Bucks have not been found lacking when it comes to effort. Players like Bobby Portis have given the Bucks a huge energy boost, whether it be off the bench or in the starting lineup. Another is Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who is making the most when he gets minutes by diving on loose balls or contesting shots. As a result of this whole-of-team mentality, the Bucks lead the league in contested shots per game (62.5) and are second in loose ball recovered (7.4). Hustle can’t be taught with or without your star players, and everyone must do their part; it’s clear they understand this.

Unfortunately, things like composure in the clutch and acclimation to the system aren’t immediately fixed by returning stars. The question now remains: Can the Bucks identify and address these problem areas once they return to full strength later on in the season? These stats rightfully depict a team shellshocked by a litany of injuries. But are they also symptoms of deeper issues that have seemingly always been there for this team and its core? We certainly hope not.

The Bucks are a hard team to judge right now with their 9-8 record, but only time will tell if these trends continue throughout the 2021-22 season.