Doc Rivers says the tide turned for the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter, for better and worse

The Bucks caught up and then unraveled in the third.

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The Milwaukee Bucks had their backs against the wall against a Golden State Warriors squad coming off a humiliating loss to the Boston Celtics. Down 20, 78-58, at halftime, the Bucks made several adjustments in the third quarter, which paid off as they trimmed the deficit to only six, 83-77, with 5:33 to go in that stretch.

According to Bucks coach Doc Rivers, their resurgence was a by-product of their unselfish ball movement, resulting in easy baskets, which, in turn, allowed them ample time to get their defensive coverage set.

Flawless ball movement

Rivers noted that their swift decision-making and passes during the first seven minutes of the third period echoed the successful strategies they used during their recent six-game winning streak.

“The seven minutes in the third quarter, our ball movement was flawless,” Rivers said.

“We scored every time. So when you score, you’re allowed to set your defense. And then we played good defense.”

The Bucks had the Warriors on their heels. However, Rivers added that just as the Bucks were gaining momentum, they went back to old habits and paid dearly for it, as the Warriors brought their lead back to double-figures and held Milwaukee off in the fourth.

“The last three minutes of that quarter, we reverted back to turnovers, forced shots, the same stuff. And the game was over,” Doc added.

Dubs on 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c8uPuFX5MD

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 7, 2024

Ball suddenly stopped moving

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, back in uniform after missing the previous game, echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying their offense stagnated, which also impacted their ability to set their defense.

“In the first six minutes of the third quarter, I think we were aggressive, we were being physical, we were making them shoot tough shots, and in the first couple of minutes, they had like five points,” Giannis remarked.

“We got back into the game, and after that, the moment that the ball is not moving, everybody’s not touching it, everybody’s not getting energy, now our defense is not as good.”

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