The Milwaukee Bucks suffered back-to-back losses in two days after falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, 100-112.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Mar 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) puts up a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Cavs just swept the Bucks, bringing up questions whether the 2021 champs have what it takes to come out of the Eastern Conference.
There are 17.5 games separating the Bucks and the Cavs right now but that is not the only difference that they have.
For head coach Doc Rivers, team chemistry is what separates Cleveland from them.
USATSI 25534056 168400517 lowres
Feb 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“Just watching their trust over ours offensively will jump off the screen when our guys watch it,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “I think it’s a good teacher for us.
“Game 1 (against the Cavs) it was us doing all those things. We lost in a heartbreaking game, but that’s who we have to be in a game against them. Because they crossed over that line, you just see a trust all game. We have not made that transition, and that’s where we have to go.”
Milwaukee Bucks chemistry is still something to build
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo once discussed they are finding ways to trust each other but the game against the Cavs, a title contender at that, showed that they still have work to do.
Lillard praised his team two weeks ago after going nine games above .500 for the first this season. He said it came at a time when they are starting to get acclimated with each other’s play under one system.
Damian Lillard
Mar 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
“We’re trusting more than we have all year. I think our spirit is as good as it’s been all year, just throughout the team and it’s happening at the right time,” he said back in March 1 after they defeated the Dallas Mavericks.
Antetokounmpo had the same sentiment after a streak wherein at least six players scored in double digits.
He also proclaimed their win against the Mavs as a ‘build game’ to test their capability on the road.
They are back home but they did not deliver.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
book athlete 1 1 Book An Athlete Appearance MSM 2023 CTA
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.