Outlets covering Milwaukee focused on the rookies, the starters and a Myles Turner exit during the Cleveland loss. The Bucks' own facts back the rookie praise in part and say little about the rest.
Oct. 28
Houston won 132-100 at Milwaukee, and Cleveland then scored 136 three days later. Writing for the Journal Sentinel, Jim Owczarski said the Cleveland loss looked a lot like the Houston one. The numbers agree. Through six games the Bucks score 106.6 and allow 119.4 per 100 possessions, a gap of 12.8 against them.
Oct. 31
ESPN reported that Cleveland rode a 48-point second quarter to a 136-111 win, with Evan Mobley scoring 27 and Jarrett Allen 25. Brew Hoop's grades, by Jack Trehearne, called the rookies unafraid and the veterans spooked. The box score splits that verdict. Nate Ament shot 6-of-8 for 14 points and Brayden Burries scored 14, but both finished minus-11 or worse. Tyler Herro went 5-of-18.
Nov. 1
Owczarski's live notes said Turner checked out and went straight to the locker room. Our injury list shows no Buck out and gives no reason for the exit, so nothing here supports an injury story. Turner played 24 minutes. Owczarski also wrote that the starters hung with Cleveland until the subs started. The Cavaliers led 72-46 at the break, and that is the part the numbers can confirm.
Nov. 2
ESPN previewed the game at Minnesota as a non-conference matchup. The Timberwolves are 4-3 and beat the Bucks 116-97 on Oct. 5. Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo are out, and Rudy Gobert is listed with a back and torso issue. Milwaukee is 14th, one game behind Miami in tenth. By our count, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is 7 rebounds from 1,000, about one game away at this season's pace.
Why are the Bucks 1-5 this season?
The defense is the clearest reason: Milwaukee allows 119.4 points per 100 possessions through six games and lost its last two home games 132-100 and 136-111. That is a small sample, but both losses were lopsided.
Who do the Bucks play next, and how healthy is Minnesota?
The Bucks play at the Timberwolves on Nov. 2. Minnesota is 4-3, with Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo out and Rudy Gobert listed with a back and torso issue.
