Before the All-Star break, Doc Rivers of the Bucks said, “We had some guys in Cabo” following a severe loss to the Grizzlies.
To turn around an underwhelming club, the Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin and brought in Doc Rivers. The opposite has occurred thus far, and on Thursday the team hit a new low.
In the second half of a back-to-back, the Bucks were outplayed and outworked by a depleted Memphis Grizzlies squad, ultimately losing 113-110. They now have a 35-21 record going into the All-Star break, down from 3-7 before Rivers took over for Griffin.
After the game, Rivers chastised his squad, highlighting their effort and discipline:
We wager in the corner for the fiftyth time on the opening play of the game. Guy drives, we have to assist, which results in a 3. Two guys on our set don’t realize what we’re running. Then nobody comes back and we missed a shot. We begin the third quarter in this manner. That provides all the information you require regarding our heads’ locations.”
“We had some guys in Cabo and some guys here.”
Those seem like the kinds of errors that come from a poorly-coached squad, of course, but it’s also vital to keep in mind that Rivers has only been in his position for a little under three weeks and may still be attempting to adjust things that aren’t functioning well.
Rivers can be given a break this time.
Just now, the 20-36 Grizzlies played their eleventh game in a span of 15 days this month. Additionally, Ja Morant (shoulder), Marcus Smart (finger), Jaren Jackson Jr. (quad), Desmond Bane (ankle), Luke Kennard (knee), and Brandon Clarke (achilles) were all sidelined. Additionally, the organization just traded big guys Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman.
The starting lineup for the Grizzlies included Jordan Goodwin, Vince Williams Jr., Trey Jemison, Ziaire Williams, and Santi Aldama because of their abundance of talent. Only one (Jemison) of the players was selected in the first 25 picks of their drafts, and none of them have played in the NBA for more than 2021.
Respect to those players notwithstanding, that is hardly a lineup that should defeat a Bucks club led by Giannis Antetkounmpo and Damian Lillard, regardless of how much adjustment is still needed. Nevertheless, they were unable to stop reserve player GG Jackson II (27 points on 10-of-17 shooting) and Williams (27 points on 9-of-13 shooting).
The Bucks now have eight days to recuperate and reorganize, which is wonderful news. The bad news is that because of the Bucks’ success under Griffin, Rivers will have to spend a portion of that time coaching the Eastern Conference All-Star squad.
The Bucks’ season has been strange, and it will have to continue on February 23 when they travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are now leading the West.