Doc Rivers Makes Unexpected Giannis Antetokounmpo Statement

The Bucks suffered a brutal loss against a shorthanded Grizzlies.

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Somehow, some way, the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Every time the Grizzlies are counted out, they manage to surprise their opposition.

For the Bucks, it's the second loss in a row against a team that's lower in the standings. After the game, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers was interviewed about the loss, where he gave a surprising statement about Giannis Antetokounmpo. In fact, Doc explained why he took Giannis out early from the game.

"I thought Giannis did everything he could," Rivers said. "Honestly, and I'm not even kidding, there were times in the beginning of the third that I talked to Scott (Foster) three different times. I wanted to take him out of the game. I thought he was running on fumes. As a coach, you gotta make a judgment call sometimes, and medical makes the call more. They kept saying he's okay, but I have eyes. I just didn't like the way he was moving. That's why I took him out the one time early. He kept asking to go back in and trainers said he was fine, so we kind of stuck there. But I wish I would have just said no, honestly."

It's surprising to hear a coach so blatantly disagree with his medical team mid-game. Giannis ultimately ended up playing only 32 minutes against the Grizzlies, second-fewest on the starting lineup. He put up 21 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks, but it wasn't enough without Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton available. Fortunately for the Grizzlies, the Bucks' struggles were Memphis' gain.

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