The Milwaukee Bucks dropped their third straight game after losing momentum in overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers, 123 to 114, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday. Milwaukee played without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will miss roughly two weeks after suffering a groin strain on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma tried to handle the frontcourt load for Milwaukee. Turner, however, sat for the final three minutes of overtime as Doc Rivers shifted to Portis at center. After the game, Rivers walked through what led to that choice.
Doc Rivers, on closing the final 3 minutes of overtime with Bobby Portis over Myles Turner:
“We just thought we needed another scorer, another shooter, with movement, where Myles is more stationary. Don’t know if it mattered at that point.”
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 21, 2025
“We just thought we needed another scorer, another shooter, with movement, where Myles is more stationary. Don’t know if it mattered at that point,” remarked the Bucks head coach during his post-game interview via The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.
Fan response to Doc Rivers benching Myles Turner
Jan 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A fan holds a sign in support of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Fans immediately reacted to Doc Rivers reasoning:
“Hahahaha yeah bro why would it matter. It’s not like we are trying to win,” one user said.
“Bro Drummond was fouled out and they had no size on the floor and we couldn’t try to do anything with our center in the post!?!!!!?” another remarked.
Another user even recommended a Giannis Antetokounmpo departure, “I can’t believe bro said that like are you f serious? Giannis needs to leave mid season ASAP he is getting forgotten cause he plays for literally bums in the middle of nowhere.”
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) passes the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) in the 3rd quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Turner closed his night with 14 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes. Portis added 19 points and eight boards, and Kuzma contributed 17 points along with four assists.
Ryan Rollins put up a strong showing, matching his career high with 32 points while adding six rebounds and 14 assists.
Myles Turner should fill the temporary Giannis Antetokounmpo void
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates with Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Myles Turner, 29, joined the Bucks on a four year, 108.9 million dollar deal, giving Milwaukee the rim protection they had been missing. He has settled in well during his first run in Cream City, putting up 12.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Turner will need to raise his output with Antetokounmpo sidelined, and Rivers may look for ways to feature him more on offense instead of relying on him almost entirely on defense.
The Bucks return to the floor on Saturday when it welcomes the red hot Detroit Pistons.