Doc Rivers highlighted a few regrets following the Milwaukee Bucks’ overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee nearly pulled off a shocker, but Tyrese Maxey propelled the Sixers to a 123-114 win. Playing without their superstar is always challenging, and in a close contest like this, even minor errors can be costly.
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the 3rd quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“We played hard overall, but our execution at times tonight – and I get it, we have different guys- but some of (the plays), we just have to do it,” said the Bucks head coach.
Doc Rivers: “We played hard overall, but our execution at times tonight – and I get it, we have different guys- but some of (the plays), we just have to do it.”
His two examples:
– Had foul to give late, but didn’t.
– Final play supposed to be Rollins ISO, but screeners came up. https://t.co/hy97KT3Wos
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 21, 2025
Rivers pointed to two moments that haunted the Bucks down the stretch. First, they had a foul to give but failed to use it. Then, on the final play of the fourth quarter, Ryan Rollins’ isolation was supposed to be the go-to, but his screeners popped up. With Milwaukee leading 106-104 and 15 seconds remaining, they fouled Tyrese Maxey, who sank both free throws with seven seconds left. The Bucks couldn’t convert on their final attempt, sealing the overtime loss.
Doc Rivers’ Bucks falter after regulation against the 76ers
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) and forward Bobby Portis (9) battle for a rebound against Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Overtime slipped away from the Bucks, and Rivers pulled Myles Turner in an attempt to spark more scoring, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Sixers. Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 32 points and 13 assists, connecting on 13 of 26 shots. Bobby Portis added 19 points on 9 of 14 shooting, while Kyle Kuzma contributed 17 points on 6 of 14 attempts. Turner finished with 14 points on 5 of 13 shooting.
The Bucks once again played without the Greek Freak, sidelined with a left knee injury, leaving a significant void. The Bucks were beaten on the boards by 10 and lacked a go-to scorer in crucial moments. The loss marked Milwaukee’s third straight defeat, dropping their record to 8-8.
Nov 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) drives for the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Ryan Rollins delivered another strong performance with 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 14 assists, but even his effort wasn’t enough to lift the Bucks to a win. With this game behind them, Doc Rivers and his men now shift their focus to a crucial home matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.