Bucks Zone

"We had some guys here, we had some guys in Cabo" - Doc Rivers expresses frustration over Bucks effort in loss to Grizzlies

Doc was upset after Milwaukee’s ugly loss to Memphis.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks failed to pull off a win against a slumping and depleted opponent because, according to coach Doc Rivers, the mindset of some of his players was on vacation mode already.

Rivers questioned the Bucks’ focus after they suffered an embarrassing 110-113 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. The frustrating defeat pulled Milwaukee down to 3-7 under the veteran coach.

“We had some guys here, we had some guys in Cabo (San Lucas),” Rivers lamented.

Defensive meltdown

Rivers was obviously unhappy with Milwaukee’s defensive effort as the Bucks failed to stop a Memphis team that was missing a slew of players such as Marcus Smart, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The two squads were tied at the end of the first half, 57-57, but the Bucks fell apart in the third period and got outscored, 37-28.

Rivers was so disappointed with Milwaukee’s effort that he called for a timeout with only 47 seconds gone by in the third. Doc explained that he called the quick timeout after noticing that the Bucks were at a loss on both ends to start the third.

“Two guys forgot what we’re running. Then we missed the shot and then nobody gets back. That’s how we start out the third quarter. That tells you all you need to know about where our heads were,” Doc said.

Doc preaches defense anew

The Bucks have shown improved defensive effort when they scored back-to-back wins against the Denver Nuggets (112-95) and the Charlotte Hornets (120-84). Just as they started to look good, Milwaukee took a step back when they lost to the short-handed Miami Heat (97-123) and then to the Grizzlies.

With the Bucks seemingly regressing, Doc again reminded his wards what would help them get through.

“We need our guys that can play defense to be better defensively, and we need the guys who are learning to play defense to be solid in rotations,” said Rivers.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.