Doc Rivers sounds like a broken record after a disastrous loss
The The Milwaukee Bucks dropped another frustrating game on Monday night, losing 129-126 to a rebuilding Washington Wizards team and head coach Doc Rivers he didn’t hold back afterwards. But instead of a new explanation, fans heard something they’ve grown accustomed to: the same warning repeated.
“They had 18 more shots than us,” Rivers said after the game. “You know how hard it is to win a game when you see a team with 18 shots? I always tell people, ‘Imagine if you get the first 18 shots and then we’re going to start the game.'”
The frustration was not new; in fact, Rivers delivered much the same message after Milwaukee’s 118-109 loss to the New York Knicks just days earlier.
“The bottom line is they had 13 more shots than us, they had eight more free throws,” Rivers said at the time. “We shoot well, we shoot 52 percent. But it’s about turnovers, it’s about offensive rebounds, fouls. It’s a numbers game.”
Milwaukee doesn’t lose because shots don’t fall; they lose because they don’t have enough chances to take them.
The pattern is now indisputable. The Bucks have lost 13 games this season, and in eight of those losses, Giannis Antetokounmpo was on the court. Opponents have outscored Milwaukee in six of those eight losses with the superstar at their disposal.
For a roster based on high efficiency scoring, Giannis at the rim, With Ryan Rollins on the perimeter and strong secondary scorers, the math becomes brutally simple: The Bucks are winning the accuracy battles but losing the opportunity battles.
Turnovers, second-chance points allowed and unnecessary fouls continue to haunt them.
Rivers summed it up clearly: “It’s a numbers game and we have to win that game.” Especially with Giannis, if we win that game, we will win the game.”
As the losses pile up and the message is repeatedthe real question now becomes: is the problem recognition or execution?
One thing is clear: The Bucks can’t afford to hear this speech again.
2025-12-02 17:45:00
