As the Milwaukee Bucks concluded their 2024-25 preseason with a 1-3 record, several trends emerged that provided insight into the team’s progress and areas for growth. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways from the Bucks’ preseason performance.
5 Key Takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024-25 Preseason
Scoring and Shooting Struggles
The Bucks ranked last in the league in points scored, averaging just 96.0 per game while shooting a low 40.2% from the field. This offensive struggle could be attributed to several factors. First, Giannis Antetokounmpo played limited minutes and only two games, reducing the impact of their primary scorer. Additionally, Khris Middleton missed all preseason games as he continued to recover from offseason ankle surgeries, further limiting the team’s scoring options.
Head coach Doc Rivers opted for a gradual approach to implementing the offense, which affected the team’s ability to establish a consistent scoring rhythm. Rivers’ focus on basic offensive sets instead of more complex schemes likely contributed to their shooting inefficiency. Moreover, the Bucks’ struggles on the offensive glass (9.3 offensive rebounds per game, among the league’s lowest) limited their second-chance opportunities. Without those extra possessions, Milwaukee found it challenging to compensate for poor shooting stretches.
Three-Point Shooting Was a Bright Spot
Despite the overall scoring struggles, the Bucks showed promise from beyond the arc, hitting 37.0% of their three-point attempts. Bobby Portis was a significant contributor, shooting an impressive 80% from deep in the opener and a perfect 5-of-5 against the Lakers. His consistent shooting was a positive takeaway, providing the team with a valuable floor-spacing option off the bench.
Damian Lillard also contributed significantly to the team’s three-point shooting, connecting on 46.7% of his attempts overall. In his preseason debut, he shot 4-of-6 from three, scoring 15 points and dishing out four assists. Lillard’s ability to create and knock down shots from distance will be critical for the Bucks’ offense to improve, especially with the new system still taking shape.
New Additions Show Promise During Milwaukee Bucks Preseason
Gary Trent Jr. emerged as a versatile contributor during the preseason, displaying his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Although his shooting was inconsistent (41.9% from the field), he provided defensive energy and showed flashes of playmaking, including a four-assist game against the Lakers. His versatility in screening and creating mismatches for Giannis and Lillard adds another dimension to the team’s backcourt.
Rookie AJ Johnson also had moments of promise, such as scoring 13 points against the Lakers, where he connected on 3-of-5 from three. However, he struggled with consistency, as seen in the final game, where he went 0-for-11. While Johnson may not be a significant contributor early in the season, his development will be a key storyline to follow as he adjusts to the NBA level.
Struggles in Drawing Fouls and Free-Throw Shooting
The Bucks were at the bottom of the league in free-throw attempts, averaging just 15.5 per game. This low number reflects a lack of aggressive play in attacking the basket and drawing fouls. With Giannis playing limited minutes, the team missed his ability to generate contact and get to the line frequently. Additionally, when they did get to the line, their free-throw shooting percentage of 74.2% was only slightly above average, further limiting their scoring potential. Improving their ability to draw fouls and convert free throws could be a key area of focus as they look to boost their offensive efficiency during the regular season.
Turnovers and Ball Security Issues
Turnovers were another concern for the Bucks, who averaged 18.0 per game, ranking among the highest in the league. This high turnover rate often disrupted the team’s offensive flow and led to missed scoring opportunities. As the players continue to adjust to Doc Rivers’ system, addressing ball security will be essential to reducing mistakes and improving the overall offensive rhythm.
The frequent turnovers also impacted their defense, as transition opportunities for the opponents put extra pressure on the Bucks to defend in unsettled situations. Limiting these giveaways will be crucial for establishing a more stable foundation on both ends of the court.
Looking At The Upcoming Bucks Season
The Bucks’ 2024 preseason highlighted both areas of concern and bright spots. While their overall scoring and shooting efficiency left much to be desired, promising signs emerged from their three-point shooting and the versatility of players like Gary Trent Jr.
With the regular season approaching, the team must focus on addressing their offensive struggles, particularly in drawing fouls, reducing turnovers, and building on their strengths. As Doc Rivers continues to implement his offensive system, finding consistency and building chemistry will be critical for the Bucks to live up to their championship aspirations.
