The Milwaukee Bucks have started the season surprisingly slow, with a 1-6 record raising alarms among fans and analysts alike. While their poor record and struggles on both ends of the floor raise concerns, a few encouraging signs may be getting lost amid the noise. Here are three positives that Bucks fans should watch as the season unfolds.
3 Positives Nobody’s Talking About Amid the Milwaukee Bucks’ 1-6 Record
Strong Showings Against Top Teams
Despite their struggles, the Bucks have shown that they can compete with some of the NBA’s best teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. In games against these top opponents, Milwaukee has held its own and even controlled the lead at times, despite ultimately coming up short. These matchups suggest that the Bucks can rise to the occasion, a positive sign for a team aiming to contend in the postseason.
Doc Rivers, who remains calm and confident, views these performances as important building blocks. He still believes in the team’s potential, and as they continue to find their rhythm, these efforts against tough competition hint at the strengths waiting to be unlocked.
The Emergence of Andre Jackson Jr.
In the midst of the team’s struggles, second-year forward Andre Jackson Jr. has quietly carved out a meaningful role in Doc Rivers’ rotation. After limited playing time in the season’s first few games, Jackson has been getting more minutes and making the most of them. Notably, in the past three games Jackson has recvied 15-plus minutes. His defensive energy, athleticism, and versatility have been on display, particularly during a strong stretch against the Cleveland Cavaliers where he received 24 minutes chipping in seven points and seven rebounds.
Individual Brilliance from Giannis and Lillard
While their synergy as a duo hasn’t fully clicked yet, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are both performing at a high level individually. Giannis is averaging 31 points per game on over 63% shooting, while Lillard is contributing 27.6 points per game with an impressive effective field goal percentage. These stats showcase that both superstars are living up to expectations in their own right, even if they haven’t yet found the perfect rhythm together.
This individual success is a strong foundation for the Bucks. The challenge now is for Rivers and the coaching staff to create opportunities for them to complement each other better on the court. If and when that happens, Milwaukee could unlock one of the league’s most dangerous offensive duos. Until then, their individual excellence keeps the Bucks competitive and demonstrates the talent that could propel a turnaround.
Turning the Milwaukee Bucks Record Around: What’s Next?
Looking forward, the Bucks have both opportunities and challenges awaiting them. Khris Middleton’s eventual return could provide a much-needed boost, adding another offensive weapon and stabilizing presence to the lineup. However, with the Milwaukee Bucks record currently standing at 1-6, the team has already used up much of its margin for error. Every game from here on out will require a focused, collective effort if they’re to climb back into contention and secure a strong playoff position.
While improvements are essential, the glimpses of potential we’ve seen in key matchups, the growth of young talent, and the individual performances of Giannis and Lillard give reason to believe that this team still has what it takes to turn the season around. The path ahead is challenging, but there’s still plenty of time for the Bucks to find their stride and fulfill their aspirations.
