The Milwaukee Bucks are learning the hard way just how much Giannis Antetokounmpo means to their identity-and their consistency. Without their two-time MVP on the floor, the Bucks have been a team of extremes: capable of stunning wins one night and head-scratching losses the next. That inconsistency has landed them at No. 21 in the latest NBA power rankings, and it’s not hard to see why.
Take last week, for example. Milwaukee pulled off one of the most surprising wins of the season, halting the Boston Celtics’ five-game win streak in impressive fashion.
But just three nights later, they got run out of the gym in Brooklyn-dropping a 45-point blowout to a Nets team that has struggled to find its own footing. That kind of swing isn’t just unusual; it’s alarming.
Let’s talk about that Brooklyn loss for a second. The Bucks managed just 82 points on 100 possessions-statistically the worst offensive performance by any team this season.
That’s not just a rough night; that’s a flashing red light. Kevin Porter Jr., who had been red-hot leading into the game, couldn’t buy a bucket-finishing 2-for-13 with six turnovers.
It was the kind of game that makes you question everything: the rotations, the effort, the energy, and yes, the depth.
And here’s the thing: it’s not just about missing Giannis’ scoring or defensive presence. It’s about what he represents.
With him on the floor, the Bucks play with purpose. Without him, they’ve been getting dominated in the possession game-losing the battles that decide games before the scoreboard even comes into play.
Rebounds, turnovers, hustle plays-Milwaukee just hasn’t been winning those margins.
The Bucks don’t have the luxury of waiting for Giannis to come back or for trade rumors to quiet down. This version of the team-flawed, inconsistent, but still talented-has to figure things out now.
That means finding a way to generate belief internally. That means veterans stepping up, role players embracing bigger moments, and the coaching staff tightening things up on both ends of the floor.
And it won’t get easier anytime soon. The schedule isn’t doing them any favors, with a stretch of road games that could either galvanize this group or sink them deeper into the standings. But there’s at least a brief reprieve on the horizon.
The Bucks will return home to Fiserv Forum on Thursday night to face the Toronto Raptors. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
CT, and it’ll be a chance to reset in front of their home crowd. Whether they can take advantage of that opportunity-and show signs of stability without their superstar-might tell us a lot about where this season is headed.