5 Flaws that could crush the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff hopes
By Tyler Watts
4. Doc Rivers’ history
Rivers led the Celtics to a championship in 2008 and is in his 25th season as a head coach. His team has made the playoffs in 17 of the last 18 seasons, so there is zero questioning of his regular-season success. Rivers knows how to win games, but things often go off the rails in the playoffs.
He is 6-10 in Game 7s in his coaching career and just 16-33 after his team has three victories in a seven-game series. Will the Bucks be able to close out four series in a row with Rivers on the bench? Ricky O’Donnell did a fantastic job breaking down Doc’s biggest playoff meltdowns in 2020. Can Rivers overcome it and lead the Bucks to the championship?
The Bucks are fresh off a postseason meltdown of their own. Giannis Antetokounmpo missed virtually the first three games, but Milwaukee lost in the opening round of the playoffs last season to the Miami Heat, despite being the number-one seed. Everybody will be looking for a bit of redemption in the postseason. Rivers must have the team prepared and keep the Bucks offense rolling no matter the advantage.
Teams that win in the postseason often have familiarity and have been through multiple battles. This will be the Bucks' first test with multiple key pieces.