Doc Rivers looked back on the Milwaukee Bucks’ 120-113 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, highlighting how fine margins and minor details influenced the result.
“It was a margin game for sure, but they won the margin of playing their system longer than we stayed with our system,” remarked the Bucks head coach during his post-game availability.
The coach pointed to De’Anthony Melton’s impact off the bench, crediting him for knocking down difficult shots and making timely plays. “He’s made some tough shots. I can live with those.”
Doc Rivers echoes Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments on execution
Mar 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is greeted by head coach Doc Rivers during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Rivers echoed Giannis Antetokounmpo in addressing the Bucks’ lack of poise and execution, noting that too often players rushed to make a play rather than flowing into the next option, which disrupted the team’s offensive approach.
“Second quarter… I think it’s a three-point game when Giannis picks up his third… that’s the other margin we lost,” he continued.
Despite the loss, Rivers kept his focus on process rather than streaks, saying consecutive wins matter less than how the team executes each night. He stressed that the disappointment comes from missed opportunities to play the right way, underscoring his emphasis on steady improvement over chasing win totals.
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 Milwaukee sitting at 16-21 and set to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Rivers emphasized the need to clean up execution. He said the team had opportunities to show its quality and did so in stretches, but ultimately fell short, adding that the game offered clear lessons against one of the league’s most efficient systems.
“We had a chance to show we’re a good team tonight… we did in spurts, but at the end of the day, we didn’t get it done.”