The Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff hopes are quickly diminishing after a lackluster loss to the 16-46 Wizards. It’s been just over a month since the Andrew Bogut trade – one widely seen as an attempt to “win now” and sneak into the playoffs – and the Bucks appear destined for the ninth seed, just as they did prior to the trade.
Milwaukee finds themselves 2.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with only five games remaining in the regular season. The Bucks’ playoff odds, according to ESPN’s John Hollinger, are sitting at a meek 14.8 percent. Perhaps more disheartening – especially for the fans who sought a rebuild – are Milwaukee’s odds of winning the lottery: 0.4 percent. It appears the Bucks are destined for a mediocre season and a mediocre draft slot once again.
The lackluster race to the finish line, highlighted by the Bucks’ 1-7 record against teams with a .500 record or better since the trade, will certainly leave a sour taste in the mouths of head coach Scott Skiles, general manager John Hammond and, perhaps most importantly, owner Herb Kohl. There are rumblings that Kohl could release Hammond and Skiles from their contracts after the season. Both contracts run for another year and a combined $7 million, so Kohl would be taking a significant financial hit if he chose to hit the ‘reset’ button. There are also rumors that Kohl might sell the franchise this offseason. However, that seems much less likely, as he won’t sell the team to anyone who doesn’t commit to keep the franchise in Milwaukee (and keeping the Bucks in Milwaukee is far from a profitable venture).
So, while the prospects of considerable change loom in the background, here’s a review of the last three games for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bucks (113) at Pistons (97) – Friday (4/13/12)
The Good: The Bucks controlled the game from the tipoff and shot 51.7 percent from the floor. Starting center Drew Gooden – whose offensive production has regressed – chipped in 26 points on 12-18 shooting. Milwaukee tallied over 30 assists in the game once again, which is nearly becoming as much of a guarantee as death and taxes.
The Bad: Rookies Tobias Harris and Jon Leuer played a combined one minute in the win – which has become a theme late in the season. If the Bucks miss the playoffs, the decision to play veterans over young players could be another regrettable aspect of the season.
The Ugly: Detroit’s starters were a combined -100 in the box score.
Bucks (99) vs. Pacers (105) – Saturday (4/14/12)
The Good: The Bucks stuck with the third best team in the Easter Conference – one that has won 10 of their last 11 games. If the Bucks would have shot better from the free throw line down the stretch, where they shot 16-26 for the game, it could have been an important, signature win.
The Bad: The Bucks were outrebounded 54-43 on the game and were noticeably undersized at every position on the floor. Roy Hibbert, the 7-2 center for the Pacers, dominated the paint with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
The Ugly: The Bucks needed every win they could get down the stretch, and they let one get away against the Pacers. This loss also put the Bucks’ record against teams above .500 at 1-7, a poor mark for a team that traded its best player, albeit injured, for a run at the playoffs.
Bucks (112) at Wizards (121) – Wednesday (4/18/12)
The Good: This was one of the worst losses for the Bucks this season. In a game that Scott Skiles called a “must win,” the Bucks showed up with little energy and resolve. The good thing, if any, to come out of this game is the 56 combined points for Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.
The Bad: The Bucks had won 14 consecutive games against teams under .500 before losing this game. While that is an impressive feat, losing to a 16-win team, when the stakes are high, is not acceptable.
The Ugly: Not only did the Bucks lose this game in convincing fashion, they gave up 121 points to a team that averages only 93 points per game, fifth worst in the NBA. Jordan Crawford torched the Bucks for 32 points on 17 shots. Perhaps not surprisingly, Monta Ellis guarded him for the majority of the game. The undersized backcourt of Jennings and Ellis has had considerable problems containing the penetration of opposing guards. With a starting frontcourt of Ersan Ilyasova and Drew Gooden – neither of whom protect the rim with much authority – it’s not hard to see why Milwaukee’s defense has been among the worst in the NBA since the trade.
Looking Ahead: The Bucks will likely have to win out in their five remaining games to have a legitimate chance at the playoffs. They will face the Pacers in Indiana, return home to play the Nets, Raptors and 76ers (who currently hold the eighth seed by 2.5 games), and finish the regular season in Boston against the Celtics. The 76ers play the remainder of their games on the road, against the Pacers, Nets, Bucks and Pistons.