Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers praised his team’s late-game defensive effort as they held off Miami’s fourth-quarter push to earn a 128-117 victory at Fiserv Forum.
“I think it’s a 16-2 run to close that game. We got stops. They hurt us in the first half in transition, even in the third quarter, they scored three or four times after makes. After scoring, we got back and clogged the paint up. I think Ryan and Scoot combined for about 12 straight there. Just their kind of control over the game,” commented the Bucks head coach during his post-game availability.
Rivers credited smart matchups and timely rotations for helping the team sustain momentum down the stretch.
“We went matchup hunting a lot tonight down the stretch. Having those two timeouts at the four to three minute mark was huge. We put Bobby in, then AJ Green, kept adding spacing and shooting to the floor. That helped us as well.”
Doc Rivers gives Kevin Porter Jr. his flowers
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks to guard Kevin Porter (3) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Doc Rivers also highlighted Kevin Porter Jr., who led the way with a season-high 32 points, “32 points, seven assists, just one turnover. He knows when to attack now, knows when to go downhill and make plays.”
Bobby Portis and Ryan Rollins each chipped in 21. Kyle Kuzma added 19 points, and Ousmane Dieng contributed 11 as the Bucks spread the scoring across the roster.
Feb 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter (7) looks for a shot against Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Norman Powell led the way for the Heat with 26 points, while Bam Adebayo added 18 points and nine rebounds. Davion Mitchell returned from illness to record eight points and eight assists, but the Heat were unable to extend their three-game winning streak.
The Bucks have won seven of their last 10 games, improving to 25-31 overall, including a 10-16 mark without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his 12th consecutive game with a strained calf. The Bucks will host Cleveland on Wednesday, while Miami heads to Philadelphia on Thursday.