The Milwaukee Bucks, who recently triumphed in the NBA Cup, have struggled to maintain their momentum, as evidenced by their recent 111-105 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets. This loss is particularly concerning given that the Nets are currently outside the playoff picture. The Bucks were without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, for the third consecutive game, which has undoubtedly impacted their performance.
In the absence of Antetokounmpo, AJ Green has been relied upon to step up, especially with his three-point shooting ability. However, Green's late-game errors against the Nets proved costly. During a crucial moment in the fourth quarter, with the Bucks trailing by four points, Green attempted to pass the ball back to Khris Middleton instead of taking an open three-point shot after a well-executed screen. This resulted in a shot clock violation, a critical mistake that could have changed the game's outcome.
Additionally, Green made another defensive error by switching on a screen for Ben Simmons, leaving Cam Johnson wide open for a decisive three-pointer. Green acknowledged his mistakes, expressing the need to improve his decision-making in high-pressure situations. These blunders highlight the Bucks' challenges as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the trade deadline, aiming to minimize errors and enhance their championship aspirations.