You don’t know that that cut wasn’t notably worse than what Lucas ended up with.
I don’t see how it could’ve been much worse.
Use your imagination and it’s very easy.
For instance, the only awkward transition IMO is Qui Gon’s death into “My Give Up” with Jar Jar.
But imagine if the transition didn’t have Williams’ music and that sweeping shot of the battlefield before we see Jar Jar.