According to a report, the Milwaukee Bucks’ decline from a top rebounding team to an abysmal one is “baffling.”
One quarter of the way into the season, the Milwaukee Bucks are in a strong position. The Bucks are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-7 record. Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the other Bucks players are developing a strong bond.
Their defensive problems still exist, though, as the team is ranked 24th in opponent points per game and 23rd in defensive rating, respectively. The team is also having trouble with their declining rebounding rate. The Bucks are currently in 21st place in the league with an average rebound rate of 74.2 percent, a far cry from their previous strong point in previous years.
Difficulty wiping the window
The Bucks’ front line is known for its size and athleticism, but this hasn’t translated into an increase in their rate of rebounds. While Giannis and Bobby Portis are well-known for their efforts in the glass, center Brook Lopez has never been known for his ability to haul down boards. However, their recovery is not as strong as it has been in the previous few seasons.
Even though Giannis is pulling down 10.6 rebounds per game on average—a respectable amount—it is his lowest total since the 2017–18 campaign. However, Portis, who almost averaged 9.6 rebounds per game last season, is down to 6.5, which is the lowest amount of rebounds he has had since joining the Bucks in 2020.
Who is the offender?
This season, the Bucks’ defense has been flimsy, if not inconsistent. The defensive philosophies of coach Adrian Griffin frequently call for the team’s big men to press ball handlers in an effort to force errors. However, because the Bucks’ big men are always on the go, there is less paint presence now. Milwaukee has also been exposed by poor rotations and confusion during switches, which has allowed opponents to penetrate the paint and grab offensive boards.
