The Milwaukee Bucks have now dropped five straight games, including three losses while Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sidelined. The team’s struggles highlight questionable front office decisions, especially their attempts to bolster the paint around Antetokounmpo, which have failed to deliver.
That approach now seems outdated and ineffective. Since claiming the 2021 championship, the Bucks have repeatedly faltered, whether in dismissing coaches like Mike Budenholzer and Adrian Griffin or executing shortsighted trades. Their shortcomings are underscored by back-to-back first-round playoff eliminations at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, one of which came with both Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard unavailable.
Bucks will be fine record-wise. Giannis will come back and they will win games. But they don't seem close to being a contender and that's ultimately what really matters and why people are upset. https://t.co/FHkPYEtANH
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) November 25, 2025
The last three games have revealed an important lesson for the Bucks, even if they haven’t fully grasped it. Too much focus is on Antetokounmpo, with everyone looking to the superstar to carry the team.
While having a superstar is essential, the Bucks cannot rely on him alone. The rest of the roster often drifts, waiting for him to make plays. They need to shift focus to the players on the floor and design the game plan around their strengths. Many players are stepping up and giving maximum effort, but that energy is wasted without a strategy to fully utilize it.
The Bucks have a promising core
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Ryan Rollins (13) after scoring a basket in the 3rd quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Players such as Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis Jr., Cole Anthony, Gary Trent Jr., and A.J. Green have the potential to form a strong core if they are allowed to play freely without being overburdened.
In the overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, 123-114, Ryan Rollins exploded for 32 points while shooting 50 percent from the field. He also scored 24 points against the Detroit Pistons. Kyle Kuzma contributed efficiently across multiple games, posting 13 points in 16 minutes versus Detroit, 17 points against the 76ers, and 15 points against Portland.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; The Milwaukee Bucks bench celebrates a three point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Bobby Portis has shown he can stretch the floor, knocking down threes consistently. He went 4-of-5 from deep and 7-of-15 overall for 22 points against Portland, 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and 7-of-10 from the field for 18 points versus Detroit, and 1-of-1 from three with 9-of-14 shooting overall for 19 points against Philadelphia.
Tonight's player of the game. pic.twitter.com/b4K144rIq9
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 25, 2025
If the Bucks shift focus from relying solely on Giannis and fully utilize their core they could build a balanced, competitive lineup capable of winning consistently.