For the second straight game, the Milwaukee Bucks lost by three points to what many would consider an inferior opponent.
Most recently, it was against the Portland Trail Blazers, a banged up, rebuilding squad that does not possess the star power that Milwaukee does. Yet, they were the hungrier team all night, putting forth more effort in all of the right areas to secure this win. It was a grueling defeat for Milwaukee, and the comments from Doc Rivers only added insult to injury.
Doc Rivers' comments after Bucks' latest loss are baffling
Speaking to reporters, Rivers highlighted his team's lack of defensive edge and pace. Transcribed by The Athletic's Eric Nehm:
"Very, very (disappointing). It's frustrating watching us play...We're not playing right and it's on both ends. Defensively, we're getting beat off the dribble over and over again, getting beat on the glass. Offensively, I don't see us playing with much pace."
Rivers commenting about the defense being poor when Andre Jackson Jr. logged 14 minutes and Ryan Rollins played just under six is maddening.
Jackson has statistically been one of the Bucks' best defenders this year, and considering just how much Portland's Anfernee Simons was on fire in this one, it would have made sense to stick him out there for more time. Instead, Rivers rolled with Taurean Prince for 22 minutes, and his recent shooting slump continued to bog down any meaningful production he may bring to the table.
As for getting beat on the glass and not playing with pace, those are also two areas Jackson helps this team out in often. He's one of the few players who is always getting out in transition, and he is not shy when it comes to attacking the glass (he even had a putback dunk in this game). For a team that is clearly lacking in these areas, it makes no sense to only play Jackson for limited minutes.
With Rollins, he showed that he could impact this game by getting a steal and buzzer-beating layup to end the third quarter shortly after checking in. Even with his banged-up shoulder, the guard is proving to be a difference-maker, but he continues to not see major minutes. Given his promising defense, ball-handling abilities and overall high-energy play, this simply makes no sense.
If Doc Rivers truly wants to see these issues get corrected, he needs to fully buy in on his young pieces. The NBA is quickly becoming a game dominated by youth; the Bucks seem to be stuck in the past, as they are constantly getting eviscerated by younger, faster and more athletic teams. Giving more time to potential-filled players like Andre Jackson Jr. and Ryan Rollins could certainly help.
Rather than asking players like Bobby Portis or Taurean Prince to bring the defense and pace that this team so desperately needs, Rivers must take a look at his youth.
Following the loss to Portland, it's very clear that the Milwaukee Bucks have some legitimate issues. Giving more time to the youth might not solve everything, but it would certainly be a step in the right direction if Doc Rivers is indeed looking to get more in these particular areas.
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