Bucks Collapse Continues
Milwaukee Bucks are struggling badly, losing their last four games by a combined 97 points. The massive point differential in recent losses has led to pessimism among fans about their playoff prospects. This collapse comes at the worst possible time as the regular season winds down.
The recent four-game losing streak is the worst in franchise history by one measure, with the Bucks being outscored by a combined 97 points. This skid comes after a more successful stretch where the team won eight of ten games. Key player Bobby Portis recently described that ten-game stretch as "fool's gold," pointing out that many of those wins came against teams at the bottom of the standings or those hit hard by injuries. The recent string of losses, however, has included defeats to teams with losing records. The timing of this collapse is critical as the regular season is nearing its end. With only 21 games left to play, Milwaukee now finds itself five games behind the Atlanta Hawks and four and a half games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final two spots in the play-in tournament. This downturn has occurred despite the recent return of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed five weeks with a calf strain. In a recent 18-point loss to the Hawks, a team they are chasing in the standings, the Bucks gave up a 13-point first-quarter lead.
