Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a 129-126 defeat to the Washington Wizards on Monday night at Capital One Arena, as Khris Middleton sank a heartbreaking three-point dagger with just under a minute left.
Rivers took aim at his team’s offensive performance, pointing out the field goal disparity. “I didn’t think we played right most of the night personally. They had 18 more shots than us… just imagine saying you get the first 18 shots and then we’ll start the game. God we played so well the other night, rebounded well and then tonight I just felt frustrated the entire night, I really did,” said the Bucks head coach during his post-game press conference.
“I just didn’t think we played with the right something. We played like we thought we’re gonna win the game. That’s how I feel.”
Doc Rivers and the Bucks losing their rhythm against the Wizards
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
The Wizards dominated the third quarter, erasing the Bucks 16-point advantage. Rivers conceded that the Bucks lost their rhythm after gaining momentum, letting Washington take command of the game. “We got the lead by playing the right way…then it just went away,”
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 26 points, though Rivers pointed out that some turnovers were avoidable. “Giannis has seen everything, literally everything. I think he handles it pretty well. The five turnovers is probably what he would like back, but other than that he played pretty well.” commented Rivers.
Apr 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate as the clock winds down in their 110-103 comeback victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Kevin Porter Jr. had a historic night and added 30 points on 12-for-15 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to counter Washington’s well-rounded offense.
Milwaukee controlled the boards 41-35 but gave up 13 three-pointers, a major factor in the defeat. Rivers highlighted his team’s difficulty in using timeouts effectively and maintaining consistent execution.
The Bucks, looking to correct mistakes and find stability, sit at 9-13, will host the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Washington, at 3-16, heads to Philadelphia on Tuesday, riding back-to-back victories over struggling opponents.