Over their next four games, the Milwaukee Bucks will square off with the Charlotte Hornets (11-20), the Washington Wizards (6-23), the Hornets again, and the Sacramento Kings (8-23). While no game is a given, especially considering the Bucks have already lost to all of these teams this season, this is a stretch where they can potentially get into a groove if they capitalize.
Bucks must string together some wins in upcoming stretch
The Bucks have been anything but consistent lately, highlighted by the fact that they haven't won back-to-back games since late October. A significant portion of that has to do with them losing star player Giannis Antetokounmpo to injuries. Now that he's back in the fold, if the team wants to salvage their season, building off a recent win over the Bulls is a great starting point.
Giannis did his part to send a message in the closing moments of the win over Chicago by dunking the ball in the final seconds. Typically deemed unnecessary and unsportsmanlike, Giannis fired back by saying, "Why should we play the clock out, have respect and fair play? We're fighting for our lives right now.” He knows the team will have to claw its way back into contention by any means.
That's the mindset they need to have moving forward.
As mentioned, Milwaukee has already lost to all of these teams once. The Milwaukee Bucks won't be able to coast to a victory. Yet, if the version of the Bucks that beat the Bulls shows up, their odds will be much higher. With Giannis leading the way, as well as a strong starting five all clicking, they looked like a well-oiled machine and got a needed victory. They need to keep the ball rolling.
If the Milwaukee Bucks' recent stretch of inconsistent play continues into this stretch, they will only dig themselves into a deeper hole. Following this stretch, things get difficult, with games against the Warriors, Lakers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Spurs all coming up after that. It would be great to roll into that string of games with momentum on their side.
It's going to be a team effort. You know what you're getting from Giannis. Kevin Porter Jr. needs to keep scoring while cutting back on turnovers. Ryan Rollins must continue his two-way ascension. Myles Turner needs to be more physical. AJ Green must hit more outside looks. Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma must bring support off the bench consistently. It's a team game.
Last year, Milwaukee's turnaround came after a 2-8 start. Perhaps this year it will come after a brutal 13-19 start.
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