Losing wears on the soul. The Milwaukee Bucks are 3-13 since starting 8-5, and there isn’t necessarily a light at the end of the tunnel. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to return from a calf strain until mid-January at the soonest. Sunday’s loss in Minnesota was among their most painful in recent weeks. The Bucks controlled the first half, held a 15-point lead in the third quarter, and watched it all slip away as the Timberwolves embarked on a 20-0 rampage. From that point on, they had the Bucks punching from against the ropes.
For his part, Bobby Portis saw plenty of positives. And he’s right. It has been a while since this team controlled a game like they did in the first half on Sunday. They kept the fouls in check. Unfortunately, the loss quickly soured any silver linings to be had as the season circles, circles, circles the drain.
Portis remains upbeat as Bucks slide down the standings
Portis acknowledged Minnesota’s third-quarter run, saying the Bucks would have won the game without that stretch. No argument there. The Bucks’ 23-2 skid gave back 21 points in a game they lost by three. Maybe that’s something to hold onto as the players attempt to fix what flaws they can control.
“There’s a lot of things to take from it,” Portis said, outside of Milwaukee’s seven-minute meltdown. “A lot of good basketball being played tonight. So a lot of positives that we can take as well.”
Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) reacts after scoring a basket in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Hanging their heads won’t do the Bucks any good; it’s nice to hear that Ports isn’t giving up hope. For fans who don’t have to maintain a pro athlete’s mindset, however, it’s difficult to share that sentiment. The Bucks are 11-18, won’t get Giannis back soon, and must face the reality that an unsuccessful year will likely spell the end of the Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee – whether by the trade deadline or in the offseason. Let’s face it.
At this point, with the summer’s reports, the season’s reinvigorated drama, and Giannis’ reiterated desire for a second ring, believing otherwise is probably naive.
On the floor, though, on a night-by-night basis, the players can’t allow themselves to think that way. Certainly they have enough on their plate navigating not only Giannis’ absence and surrounding drama but also injuries to Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, and AJ Green.
Dec 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) celebrates with Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) after making a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
“I think our theme this year is just everybody staying ready whenever their number’s called,” Portis continued. “You know, no matter who started, we just try to go out there and win the game and play for each other. So obviously, it was a lot of positives we can take from it, but wish we would have got the win.”
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