Bucks Struggle Without Giannis, Playoff Hopes Fading

Milwaukee's offense collapses in second half as playoff dream slips away

Mar. 5, 2026 at 2:41pm

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The Milwaukee Bucks' playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy after a 131-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, their fourth straight defeat. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from injury but the Bucks' offense fell apart in the second half, shooting just 2-for-20 from three-point range. With a five-game gap to make up and only 21 games left, the Bucks face an uphill battle to reach the play-in tournament.

Why it matters

The Bucks' struggles without Giannis have exposed their lack of depth and scoring options beyond their superstar. Even with Giannis back, the team appears ill-equipped to make a late-season playoff push, raising questions about the team's long-term direction and Giannis' future in Milwaukee.

The details

The Bucks jumped out to a 38-point first quarter and were 6-for-9 on threes, but collapsed in the second half, going just 2-for-20 from deep. They were outscored by 31 points after halftime, unable to find a Plan B when their three-point shooting went cold. The loss was a missed opportunity to gain ground on the surging Hawks, who have been taking advantage of a soft schedule.

  • The Bucks are 26-35, five games back of the Hawks and Hornets for the final play-in spot with 21 games left.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo returned after missing five weeks with an injury, but it hasn't changed the Bucks' fortunes.
  • The Bucks get another shot at the Hawks on March 14.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' superstar scored 24 points in his second game back from injury, but it wasn't enough to lift his struggling team.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' backup forward recorded one of the team's two blocks in garbage time, highlighting their defensive struggles.

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What they’re saying

“The meaningful part of the Bucks' season is perilously close to ending. If they lose to the Hawks again in 10 days, it's probably over. Once that happens, it could be the last time we see Antetokounmpo in a Bucks uniform this season — or ever.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter and comedian

What’s next

The Bucks will face the Hawks again on March 14, a crucial game that could determine the fate of their playoff hopes.

The takeaway

The Bucks' struggles without Giannis have exposed their lack of depth and scoring options, putting their playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy. With a steep climb to reach the play-in tournament, the team may need to shift its focus to the long-term future and Giannis' potential future in Milwaukee.