The Milwaukee Bucks have started the season poorly, losing five straight games and falling four games below .500 for the first time since March 2017. Despite a strong performance from Damian Lillard, who scored 41 points in a narrow loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team continues to struggle with consistency, often allowing bench players from opposing teams to have significant impacts. Coach Doc Rivers highlighted the team's inability to maintain focus for the full game, which has led to costly lapses, including blowing a 16-point lead in their recent game. The absence of three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, who has yet to play this season due to ankle surgery, exacerbates these issues, as the Bucks heavily rely on the trio of Middleton, Lillard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo for success. Historical data shows that when these key players are unavailable, the team has struggled significantly, evident from last season's performance. As the Bucks await Middleton's return, their current challenges raise concerns about their ability to recover this season.