In Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Bucks lost 98-120 to the Pacers, sadly ending their playoff journey. The loss made the Bucks the first team in the top half of the East and West to go out in the first round of the playoffs and exposed some of their problems in the game.
First of all, Antetokounmpo's absence has had a huge impact on the Bucks. As a regular player on the team, his absence has severely weakened the Bucks' fighting power. In addition, the Bucks have not been as good on the defensive end. Especially after the exchange of Holiday and their backcourt defense was almost useless. Despite bringing in Beverley, his role was limited and he failed to fill the defensive gap.
Second, the Bucks' roster depth is also problematic. In this game, the Pacers' bench players combined for 50 points, while the Bucks' bench scored only 10 points. This shows the Bucks' lack of bench depth and head coach Doc Rivers being conservative in his hiring. He seems to be more inclined to trust the veterans in the team and ignore the potential of the newcomers.
In the history of the NBA playoffs, the Bucks have suffered the following embarrassing situation for two consecutive years. Last year, as the No. 1 seed in the East, they were swept by the Miami Heat in the first round, completing the Black Eight Miracle. This time, they were once again eliminated by the Pacers in the first round, raising questions about a team that had won the championship.
Two consecutive losses have put the Bucks in a difficult position. Their lineup seems to lack enough depth and flexibility to handle the challenges of different opponents. Especially in the crucial playoff stages, their performance was disappointing.
Struck by the Heat last year and lost to the Pacers this year, both losses exposed the Bucks' shortcomings in some areas. For example, they don't have enough defensive intensity, and they lack enough variety and creativity on the offensive end. In addition, the Bucks also seem to have problems managing injuries to key players, resulting in the team not being able to perform at its best in key moments.
The next offseason will be a significant adjustment period for the Bucks. They need to take a hard look at the lessons of the past two years and re-examine their line-up and tactics to find ways to improve. Only then will they be able to return to the top next season and avoid another embarrassing situation.