The Milwaukee Bucks dropped their fifth straight game after getting blown out 107 – 79 by the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Sunday. After the loss, head coach Doc Rivers pointed to the team’s offensive issues, explaining that missed shots and limited shot creation continue to hurt the group.
“(We) couldn’t make shots. It’s hard to create shots. I thought Ryan (Rollins) was spectacular. Through the game, I thought he played well. I thought whenever we took him off the floor, Bobby (Portis) off the floor, the scoring came to a halt,” Rivers remarked during his post-game availability.
After a strong opening stretch, the Bucks stalled in the second quarter and let the Celtics take control of the game. The loss dropped Milwaukee to 18 and 29 on the season, while Boston improved to 31 and 18.
He pointed to missed chances at the rim and from three point range as key factors in the loss.
“Early on we got a lot of rolls… we missed point-blank layups. When we sprayed it out, we didn’t make threes… when you start missing shots, it becomes a snowball,” the Bucks head coach continued.
Doc Rivers and the Bucks struggle against the Celtics
Jan 29, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a call during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The Bucks struggled across the board, shooting just 35 percent from the floor and going 10 for 34 from three. They also lost the rebounding battle 52 to 40, allowed 42 points in the paint, and trailed by as many as 31 points during the game.
Offensive rebounding proved to be a major factor in the loss, giving the Celtics repeated second-chance opportunities.
“By the fourth, that difference was literally the margin of the game. They had 28 points off second chances and turnovers,” Rivers continued.
Dec 18, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Bucks are averaging just 111.8 points per game, the fourth-lowest mark in the league. Rivers struck a somber tone in his postgame comments.
Doc Rivers and the Bucks continue to play without Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the head coach said the team still has no clear timeline for his return as he recovers from a calf injury.
That reality puts Rivers in a challenging position, forcing him to manage a roster missing its two-time MVP. It may also serve as an early look at what lies ahead, as reports indicate Antetokounmpo is prepared to move on from the franchise.