The losses continue to pile up for the Milwaukee Bucks, as they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, marking their fifth straight defeat. Doc Rivers fell into his own trap, decreasing Andre Jackson Jr.'s minutes after he made a real impression against the Detroit Pistons.
Doc Rivers' coaching is becoming a issue
Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was always going to be difficult for the Bucks. However, the lack of direction is becoming a real concern. Of the five defeats, four of those have been by double-figures, and Milwaukee is finding itself in trouble. Currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 8-10 record, there is a possibility the Bucks find themselves adrift of the play-in spots before their two-time MVP returns to the court.
Jackson played 28 minutes against the Pistons on Saturday, showing off the value he can still bring to the Bucks, while adding five assists. Offense has never been his strong suit, but this is where Rivers needs to get creative and scheme something that fits the players available. He played just seven minutes against Portland, despite being the second man off the bench. Rivers went on to keep him benched for the entire second and third quarter, another questionable decision after Jackson's performance against Detroit.
Those bizarre decisions from Rivers started before the game tipped off, with Jericho Sims being inserted into the starting lineup for the first time in his Bucks tenure. That move didn't work out as Sims picked up two early fouls, was subbed out after less than four minutes into the game, and managed a total of 10 minutes.
Sure, the team is not working, and changes need to be tested. However, making huge adjustments every single game will not allow players to find their flow, and for any scheme to be properly implemented.
Offensively, the Bucks were always going to drop off without the Greek Freak, but the team just looks lost. Ryan Rollins has taken on a lot of responsibility and dealt with it well, but a lot is being asked of a player taking on a starting spot for the first time in his career. Myles Turner is someone who needs to become more aggressive on offense to make up for the lack of pain presence without Giannis.
Defensively, the team is finding it incredibly difficult to get stops. Portland won the first three quarters and put up over 30 points in each. The Bucks addressed their need to become more athletic and versatile, but we are not seeing that put into action on the defensive end. Jackson won't fix it by himself, but he could help.
Things are tough in Milwaukee at the moment, as losses continue to pile up. More needs to be asked of the players, but Doc Rivers has got to improve his schemes on both ends of the floor; otherwise, they will give themselves a mountain to climb.