Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks failed to take the lead at any point in their 122-102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some around the team questioned Giannis Antetokounmpo’s level of aggression during the game.
After the loss, Doc Rivers shifted focus to the Bucks’ three-game homestand, which continues Friday against the Denver Nuggets.
“We’re not hot right now. There’s no doubt about it. You can see it in our spirit. When you get jumped on the way we got jumped on the last three or four games, that’s something you don’t want,” said the Bucks head coach.
“That’s something we haven’t had all year, but it’s here. We played great the first two and a half quarters in the Atlanta game. Then, we kind of went back to what we’ve been doing wrong.”
Doc Rivers emphasizes the importance of the Bucks current home stand
Dec 29, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
“These next games are huge for us. All winnable games, all at home. We get some rest, I think we’ll find out what we have in these next four or five games. It’s big for us.
With All-Star Jalen Williams and starting center Isaiah Hartenstein unavailable, the matchup appeared to set up for a big night from Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, he finished with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, along with 14 rebounds and seven assists.
“I thought they did a nice job on [Giannis], but I didn’t think we did a very good job of getting him the ball in the spots, and that’s all we worked on today,” Rivers added.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) walks past head coach Doc Rivers in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“Our first 12 minutes was the difference in the game. We literally played right into what they wanted us to do.”
AJ Green chipped in 15 points for Milwaukee, while Bobby Portis anchored the bench with 15 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. On the other end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powered the Thunder with 40 points on 16-of-19 shooting, along with 11 assists, seven rebounds, and a steal to secure the win.
The Bucks will return to Fiserv Forum to host the Nuggets on Friday, followed by a matchup with the Mavericks on Sunday.