The Milwaukee Bucks moved up their residence opener to three p.m. native time to keep away from a battle with the World Sequence. Within the remaining minutes, they performed like additionally they wished to get residence to look at the sport.
After placing up 104 factors within the first three quarters, the Bucks collapsed within the remaining minutes of a 132-125 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Followers should hope the Milwaukee Brewers can shut stronger in Sport 1 towards the Tampa Bay Rays.
Milwaukee Bucks went chilly down the stretch
The Bucks are nonetheless discovering their manner after a dramatic roster overhaul within the offseason. Franchise participant Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Warmth for 4 gamers. The Bucks traded Taurean Prince and Gary Harris, drafted Brayden Burries and Nate Ament and launched Kevin Porter Jr.
It might take the group a while to gel, however they do have a stable roster on paper. Tyler Herro, who scored 34 factors Friday, was an All-Star in 2025, the identical yr Myles Turner performed middle for a group that went to the NBA Finals. 4 Bucks have been rotation gamers on a 43-win Warmth group final season.
That expertise was on show when the Bucks raced out to an early 15-point lead after which put up 42 factors within the third quarter. However the unfamiliarity of the brand new teammates might have come by within the remaining minutes, when the Bucks missed three pictures and two free throws and turned the ball over twice because the Bulls took management.
World Sequence compelled Milwaukee Bucks into early begin
Beginning the sport 4 hours sooner than regular was a call the group made after the Brewers superior to the World Sequence for the primary time since 1982. It was a pleasant lodging for native followers, whereas additionally an acknowledgement that the Bucks themselves not have championship aspirations.
Possibly the late-game struggles got here on account of making an attempt to shut out a sport at a time they’d usually be stretching and getting dressed within the locker room. Possibly it was the final unfamiliarity with one another, which led to 9 Bucks turnovers within the remaining quarter, together with three steals from Noa Essengue, enjoying in simply his fourth NBA sport.
However it is also that most of the Bucks understand their time in Milwaukee could also be transient. Herro, Kyle Kuzma and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are within the remaining yr of their contracts. Turner is a commerce candidate. Solely the 2 rookies can have any confidence they’re in Milwaukee’s long-term plans.
Nonetheless, the Brewers do present a supply of optimism for the Bucks. They have not hesitated to commerce their very own stars, like 2021 Cy Younger winner Corbin Burnes, who they flipped for infielder Joey Ortiz and lights-out reliever DL Corridor earlier than the 2024 season. A rebuild could be painful, but it surely does not should final lengthy.
Till then, the Bucks want their offensive effort to final a full 48 minutes. Failing that, this season goes to really feel extraordinarily lengthy.
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