Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reflected on Milwaukee’s 109-99 loss to the Washington Wizards on Thursday, highlighting rebounding and foul trouble as key issues.
“I think 42% from the field tonight for you, 26% from three. I’m not worried about the percentage, honestly. It was a dog fight. Let’s just keep that real,” Rivers said, emphasizing the physical nature of the matchup.
Rivers singled out the team’s struggles in contested situations. “But the 50/50 game, we got crushed. You know, before the game, we literally talked about it. We got to win the rebound war and we can’t foul shooters. And tonight, I mean, I don’t know how many points. At one point, I think it was 18 points of fouling shooters.”
The coach expressed frustration over a late foul call on Myles Turner. “I will say that last foul they called on Myles is freaking ridiculous. If you start calling the lower body after you block a shot, everyone’s going to be shooting a free throw. To make a call like that to end of a game this side of the game is just absolutely awful to make that call.”
Rivers praised Turner’s individual performance despite the loss. “Yeah, he was active two games in a row. Starting to feel good about his game. He’s doing the things that we thought he can do. So, I’m very happy with Myles.”
He also discussed the challenges of managing his roster without key players. “Ryan, as you see, he’s cramping up in games. Not having Scoot, not having Giannis, we just, we literally don’t have enough ball handlers on our team. Kuz overall, you know, listen, he’s been really good at it. I like his size. I like his ability to be able to see over defenses. So, we’ll take it.”
Rivers highlighted bench contributions as well. “Double-digit game for Pete off the bench. He’s been great. I think it’s more IQ, which is composure. He processes the game very well, so he’s never going too fast. Makes the right cut. He knows timing. He’s just a smart player.”
The coach also credited Bobby Portis Jr.’s leadership. “A lot. Like Bobby was great. When I came in at halftime, you first thing I said is, ‘What do we need to talk about?’ And Bobby says, ‘Oh, we already talked about it.’ No fouls, offensive rebounds. Like Bobby’s been fantastic.”
Rivers noted defensive execution as a continued focus. “The closing out on the shooters, has that been a thing for you guys? For us all year. Tonight was unbelievable. You fault the execution, not the effort.”
On developing younger players like Alex Sarr, Rivers added: “He’s getting there, slowly. Had a big game the other night. When a young player has a big game, the next night it’s like golf. You can see it early. He was trying. But that’ll be something he’ll figure out.”
