Embarrassing loss to Grizzlies highlights 3 factors that could doom Bucks

While many people likely spent their Halloween watching their favorite terror-filled films, something far more horrifying was on television: 2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks basketball.

Despite having two days of rest and facing a Memphis Grizzlies team that was not only coming off the first night of a back-to-back but also had an assortment of players out, the Bucks' struggles early this season continued. The banged-up Grizzlies practically dominated from start to finish, with the Bucks' biggest lead coming in at just three points. Meanwhile, Memphis was up by as many as 31.

When the final buzzer rang, the Grizzlies secured a 122-99 victory, piling onto the Milwaukee Bucks' recent losing streak. Having lost four in a row, there are clearly plenty of issues with this Bucks team, and this loss put plenty of them on full display. With that said, let us analyze three of them that could end up dooming this team in the long run.

No. 1 - Lack of athleticism, youth and hustle

These aren't new issues; they've been plaguing the Bucks for quite a while now. When they are going up against a young, uber-athletic team like the Grizzlies, they are bound to run into trouble because it is simply impossible to combat it with the rotations Doc Rivers is putting together. This is the fourth game in a row where the Bucks have run into this problem.

Ja Morant, one of the most athletic guards in the game, had a field day against Milwaukee's defense, not only scoring 26 points but also making sure his teammates got in on the action as well by dishing out 14 assists. Guards Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells both had 16 points, torching any veteran defender that was thrown in their direction.

The young Grizzlies also just flat-out dominated on the glass, showing far more effort than the Bucks. Memphis grabbed 62 boards compared to Milwaukee's 46. Rebounding has never been his strongest suit, but seeing Brook Lopez grab just three is brutal. Bobby Portis, who used to feast on the glass at every turn, had seven. Ja Morant, who is 6-foot-2, had 10, just as many as these two seven-footers.

No. 2 - A lackluster and unreliable bench

Tying into that lack of youth and athleticism is the bench, with a spotlight particularly pointed at the duo of Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton. The pair have certainly played their part in these issues, with the pair struggling to even stick on the court defensively because opposing players simply blow by them when going to the lane or get a jumper off before they can even contest them.

In this game, Portis scored 11 points on 5-of-14 field goal shooting. Connaughton was 1-of-7 on his shots and tallied just three points. These numbers simply won't get it done from the two-highest paid players in the second unit. Newcomer Delon Wright got a few shots to drop, but the veteran has still been a significant disappointment, especially with the defensive reputation he carries.

At least somewhat comprehending that the Milwaukee Bucks need a spark, Rivers did give extended run to Andre Jackson Jr. In about 19 minutes, he finished with two points, five rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. He did earn five fouls - which continues to be the main thing keeping him from playing a bigger role - but it was nice to see someone play with some energy and intensity.

Taurean Prince joining the second unit when Khris Middleton (eventually) returns could be a nice lift, but is that enough to save this group? Not if they play like they did against the Grizzlies.

No. 3 - Doc Rivers

Doc Rivers has a hand in everything that was mentioned above. The most egregious decision that he continues making is giving Connaughton legitimate minutes despite his struggles plaguing the bench during this four-game losing streak. Doing so with Portis is somewhat more understandable due to a lack of depth in the big man department, but there's no excuse with Connaughton.

Rivers needs to swap Connaughton out of the rotation for one of the younger players, with the two primary options being Andre Jackson Jr. or AJ Green. Heck, given just how poorly Connaughton has played thus far, it might even be time to take a closer look at MarJon Beauchamp or Chris Livingston. This team needs some youth and athleticism, and Connaughton just simply doesn't help.

As for rotations, Rivers playing lineups with Connaughton, Portis and Brook Lopez all together versus a quick, athletic Grizzlies team like this was certainly a choice. This trio simply does not have the juice to keep up with such a group, so they were constantly taken advantage of. Again, sprinkling a dash of youth in there instead of whatever this was would certainly make much more sense.

The Milwaukee Bucks are now just 1-4 and have no shortage of problems to overcome. Outside of the game against the Boston Celtics, all of these opponents during their losing streak were teams they were expected to beat, but the Bucks have looked sluggish against all of them. Time will tell if these losses will be a wake-up call or just represent who this team is destined to be this season.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.