Milwaukee Bucks Show Confidence Amid Struggles
MILWAUKEE — Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks remains optimistic about his team despite a recent 45-point defeat to Brooklyn, which tied for the Nets’ largest victory margin in franchise history. Rivers has no plans for significant changes following this setback.
Bucks’ Current Performance
The Bucks, currently at 11-16, have not managed to secure consecutive wins since late October and are grappling with the absence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined for two weeks due to a right calf strain.
Coach’s Perspective
Rivers expressed his confidence in the team, stating, “We like our team. I really like this team… You don’t recreate the wheel. Teams that do that, they fail. I’ve been around long enough to know.” Despite acknowledging various issues affecting performance, he believes in maintaining their current approach.
Emphasis on Practice
After the 127-82 blowout against the Nets, which guard Ryan Rollins described as “embarrassing,” the Bucks have benefited from back-to-back practice sessions, a rarity during the season. They utilized this time to address their mistakes from the Brooklyn game.
Upcoming Challenges
The team will look to bounce back as they prepare to host the Toronto Raptors. Guard Kevin Porter Jr. reflected on the brutal loss, suggesting it served as a wake-up call, reminding them not to find themselves in such a situation again.
Maintaining Structure
Rather than overhauling strategies or the lineup, Rivers emphasized the desire to improve current systems while taking better care of the ball. He stated, “We like what we run… This is not where we’re at. We’re not even thinking in those terms.”
Future Considerations
With the slow start raising questions about Antetokounmpo’s future, Rivers disputed an ESPN report about potential discussions between the player and team officials regarding his stay in Milwaukee. The Bucks have struggled without him, managing only two wins in ten games without his contributions.
