Milwaukee Bucks: 5 Takeaways From First Week of NBA Season

Nov 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) reacts after a collision with Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) reacts after a collision with Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin calls a play in the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin calls a play in the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Bucks’ journey under new head coach Adrian Griffin is off to a rocky start to the NBA season. It wasn’t exactly what fans expected after their acquisition of Damian Lillard to pair with Giannis Antetokoumpo, as their record currently stands at a middling 2-2, sparking some early frustrations among fans.

However, before we delve into panic mode, it’s crucial to retain a sense of perspective. Four games represent just five percent of the NBA season. There is plenty of time for the team to iron out the wrinkles that have surfaced in these initial stages.

On the other hand, there have been notable warning signals in these early games. It’s essential to scrutinize how Griffin and the Bucks plan to address these issues as the season progresses. With a balanced perspective, let’s delve into five key takeaways from the Bucks’ opening week of the NBA season.

Here are five takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks first week of the NBA season, including rim protection, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Winning Is Hard

We fans may have been somewhat spoiled during the Mike Budenholzer era, as the Bucks accumulated more regular-season wins under his leadership than any other team. Despite his playoff shortcomings, Budenholzer had the knack for elevating his teams’ baseline performance, providing a consistent product that delivered victories.

This current phase might serve as a necessary reminder that winning in the NBA is far from a cakewalk. It’s a demanding endeavor, even for the most talented teams. The Bucks are, without a doubt, a work in progress. They’re akin to a cake still in the mixing stage, where all the ingredients are in the bowl. If you happen to sneak a taste at this point, it might not be the most appetizing. The critical phase lies in finalizing these ingredients and allowing them to bake in the oven, and only then will we truly appreciate their full potential. This process will demand patience, even if our taste buds crave that perfect cake right now.