The Milwaukee Bucks were expected to be one of the league's very best defensive teams once again this season, but it hasn't played out that way early on.
While it's a small sample size to work with, and while there have been injuries throughout the roster, it's surprising to see the Bucks allowing so many easy baskets early on under head coach Jason Kidd.
Last season, the Bucks ranked 4th in defensive efficiency, allowing 102.2 points per 100 possessions. This season, through five games, the Bucks rank 29th in defensive efficiency and are allowing a whopping 113 points per 100 possessions. Only the Los Angeles Lakers have been worse.
Here's more from Ian Levy at the Sporting News:
"The Bucks are doing a fine job of limiting opportunities for opponents to drive, but once an opposing ball-handler gets in the lane they're having a fairly easy time of scoring. That means opposing drivers are relatively unlikely to pass out or turn the ball over. In short, players are getting into the lane, shooting the ball and making their shots — the last thing any defensive-minded coach wants to see.
The other big key here is fouling, which Milwaukee's defense has also struggled with. Right now they have the fourth-highest defensive free throw rate in the league. "
