Milwaukee Bucks: 3 reasons the season is over

The Milwaukee Bucks fell short in Game 7 and lost in the first round to the Boston Celtics. Why is their season over much sooner than expected?

The Milwaukee Bucks had everything break right in the final days of the season, settling into seventh place to set up a matchup with the injury-riddled Boston Celtics. Yet two weeks later, the Bucks are now heading home, their season over, after a 112-96 loss in Game 7.

Boston entered the season down four rotation players, including its top scorer Kyrie Irving and top free agent Gordon Hayward. Marcus Smart did not play until Game 5, and midway through Game 7, the Celtics lost Jaylen Brown to a hamstring injury.

Even with the table set so perfectly, the Bucks were unable to take advantage. They went 0-4 in Boston for the series, unable to capitalize on the myriad of looks the Celtics gave them. While Giannis Antetokounmpo looked incredible for most games in the series, and Khris Middleton like a solid second option, the pieces around them ultimately fell short.

Why couldn’t the Milwaukee Bucks beat a depleted Boston team and win a playoff series? The answer to that question is multi-faceted and complicated. But here are three of the biggest reasons, starting with the one everyone was screaming as Game 7 drew to a close.