Bucks Slide Continues: Milwaukee Drops Fifth Straight Amid Injury Woes

The Milwaukee Bucks lost their fifth consecutive game on Monday night. The Portland Trail Blazers secured a 115-103 victory at Fiserv Forum. Jerami Grant led all scorers with a season-high 35 points in the November 24, 2025 matchup.

Milwaukee’s slump deepens as they struggle without key players. The team’s defensive issues were exposed once again. This loss adds pressure to a Bucks squad with championship aspirations.

Jerami Grant Exploits Defensive Gaps in Season-Best Outing

Portland’s Jerami Grant was the dominant force on the court. He scored efficiently from everywhere, hitting 8 of 18 shots from the field. Grant also made a remarkable 16 of 19 attempts from the free-throw line.

His aggression drew fouls and disrupted Milwaukee’s defensive game plan. According to ESPN’s play-by-play data, Grant’s 35 points marked a new personal best for the season. The Trail Blazers effectively rode his hot hand to the road win.

The Bucks had no consistent answer for Grant’s offensive versatility. His performance highlighted a recurring problem for Milwaukee’s defense.

Injury-Absences Cripple Bucks’ Rotational Depth

Milwaukee’s lineup was notably short-handed. The absence of multiple rotation players created significant matchup problems. This lack of depth was a key factor throughout the game.

Portland capitalized on the mismatches, especially in the frontcourt. The Trail Blazers, despite also missing players, displayed better cohesion. Milwaukee’s bench was outplayed, offering little relief for the starters.

The injury situation has become a central theme in the Bucks’ losing streak. Team chemistry and defensive continuity have suffered as a result.

Free Throw Disparity Underscores Defensive Struggles

A major statistical difference came at the charity stripe. Portland attempted and made significantly more free throws than the home team. This pointed directly to Milwaukee’s defensive indiscipline.

Fouling has been a persistent issue during this five-game skid. It gives opponents easy points and stops the game clock. The Bucks’ coaching staff has emphasized cleaner defense, but results are lacking.

This fundamental flaw is costing them games they are otherwise competitive in. Fixing it is a top priority for turning the season around.

The Milwaukee Bucks must find solutions quickly to halt their alarming five-game losing streak. Health and defensive focus are the immediate areas for improvement. The coming games will test the team’s resilience and adaptability.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Who was the leading scorer in the Bucks vs. Trail Blazers game?

Portland’s Jerami Grant was the leading scorer. He dropped a season-high 35 points against the Bucks. Grant was particularly effective at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line.

Q2: How long is the Milwaukee Bucks’ current losing streak?

The Bucks have now lost five games in a row. This recent defeat to the Trail Blazers extended their frustrating skid. The streak has dropped their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

Q3: What is the main reason for the Bucks’ recent struggles?

Injuries and poor defense are the primary causes. Key player absences have disrupted their rotation and chemistry. Defensive lapses, especially frequent fouling, have given opponents easy scoring opportunities.

Q4: How did the Trail Blazers win despite being short-handed?

Portland won through stellar individual performance and exploiting mismatches. Jerami Grant carried the offensive load with efficiency. The team also capitalized on Milwaukee’s mistakes, particularly by getting to the free-throw line.

Q5: What’s next for the Milwaukee Bucks schedule?

The Bucks will look to break their streak in their next scheduled game. The team faces a critical stretch to stop the downward spiral. According to the NBA schedule, they will need to find answers on the road and at home.