Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers addressed his team’s 119-101 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on Thursday, emphasizing how missed shots and fouls contributed to the loss. “The fouling and then that last six minutes of the second quarter, they got away from us. The fouling killed us,” Rivers said.
Rivers defended the team’s effort despite the scoreline. “I thought we were very competitive to start the game. We came out right tonight. And then they made everything, we missed everything, and we got dispirited,” he added.
The coach analyzed Milwaukee’s shooting struggles. “We had 48 threes, 40 were really good shots, and they didn’t go in. So it’s a big miss league. I really loved the game plan. I thought we played the right way overall,” Rivers explained.
Rivers highlighted challenges with the guards. “Scoot [Kevin Porter Jr.] had a tough game. Ryan was up and down. AJ [Green] was in foul trouble. That hurt us. Scoot and Ryan specifically over the last three games have really struggled,” he said.
He also emphasized the team’s mindset moving forward. “I don’t see pressure mounting with our players. We’ve got half the year left. It’s a whole half a season. I think our guys are just trying to get right,” Rivers said.
The coach praised Giannis Antetokounmpo’s leadership. “Giannis has taken a more vocal role this year. He’ll never be tuned out. What he says is never anything that’s not about winning,” Rivers said.
Rivers acknowledged the Spurs’ growth under Victor Wembanyama and Mitch Johnson. “Victor is really good. His shot separates him from almost everybody. He’s got the perfect mix. Mitch is doing an amazing job. They’re deep, young, athletic, and well coached,” Rivers said.
Milwaukee struggled to keep pace with San Antonio’s efficiency, shooting just 39% overall and 35% from three. Giannis led the Bucks with 21 points, Kyle Kuzma added 18, and Bobby Portis contributed 13. San Antonio shot 51% from the field, 43% from three, and converted 23-of-27 free throws.
The loss drops the Bucks to 17-24, 11th in the Eastern Conference, while the Spurs improve to 28-13, tied for third in the West. Milwaukee faces Atlanta on Monday, and San Antonio hosts Minnesota on Saturday.
