“There were things that we don’t need to talk about, right?” Rivers told reporters before Monday’s game against the Clippers. “As a coach, you have to make decisions on what’s the best thing for the team at that time. People don’t understand that. They start talking about other stuff, you know? And that’s not for anyone to know”.

The primary roster motivation for the move was to convert forward Pete Nance from a two-way contract to a standard multi-year NBA deal. Nance has emerged as a reliable rotation piece, averaging 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.1 minutes across 37 games this season.

While Nance’s efficiency earned him the promotion, the timing remains surprising to some, given that Thomas averaged 10.7 points in his 18-game stint with the Bucks.

From ‘Sixth Man’ praise to the waiver wire

The breakup marks a sharp turn from the optimism that surrounded Thomas’s arrival in Milwaukee. In just his second game with the team, the shooting guard exploded for 34 points off the bench in a 116–108 win over the Orlando Magic—tying a franchise record for points by a reserve.

At the time, Rivers drew comparisons between Thomas and some of the greatest bench scorers in NBA history. “I’ve had Jamal Crawford. I had Lou Williams… and now, I have Cam Thomas,” Rivers famously stated. However, that “Sixth Man” vision quickly faded as Thomas’s minutes fluctuated, eventually leading to being waved.

Postseason limbo for Thomas

Now a free agent, the 24-year-old player faces a difficult path forward. Because he was waived after the March 1 deadline, NBA collective bargaining rules dictate that he is ineligible to appear on a playoff roster this spring.

While Thomas can still sign with a new team to play the final 10 games of the regular season, he will be unable to contribute to any postseason run. It appears the 2025-26 campaign has effectively come to an early end for the former Nets star as he shifts his focus toward summer free agency.

Before the February 24 matchup against the Miami Heat, Rivers noted that the Greek Freak had not yet participated in 5-on-5 drills, sparking concern among fans regarding a potential setback. However, ahead of the recent victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the coach suggested that 5-on-5 work might not be a requirement for him to be cleared to play.

“Guys, this is not rocket science stuff,” Rivers said, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “Like, we do 3-on-3, 4-on-4, sometimes we do 5-on-5, sometimes we don’t. And it doesn’t really matter“.

While it appears Giannis is nearing the final stages of his rehab, Rivers gave a non-committal answer when asked what specifically is needed for the star to be cleared.

“I have no idea, honestly. Maybe I should ask and I can get you the information, but I know he’s close. I don’t think he’s close like tomorrow, but he’s getting closer and he looked great. And that’s all I know. I can tell you what my eyes see and he looks good,” Rivers added.

Bucks have stayed afloat without their star

There is no question that Antetokounmpo is the face of the franchise. Through 30 games this season, he has averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, remaining a dominant force for Milwaukee. While many expected the team to spiral in his absence, the Bucks have fared better than anticipated.

Despite currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference—just outside the playoff picture—Milwaukee have posted an 8-5 record over the last 13 games without Giannis. This stretch has given fans hope that the roster can remain competitive even when their superstar is sidelined.

Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, and recent addition Cam Thomas have been the standouts during this period, providing a collective driving force that has kept the team in the hunt while waiting for Antetokounmpo’s return, which is currently projected for early March.

In a league built on speed, youth, and constant change, a few figures continue to defy time from the sidelines. The 2025-26 NBA season brings back familiar faces, veterans whose experience now feels like part of the game’s DNA.

Their résumés span decades, their philosophies forged through eras of evolving play styles. They’ve seen superteams rise and fade, witnessed the three-point revolution and coached through shifts that redefined basketball itself.

Yet, as the pace quickens and rosters get younger, these coaches remain steady voices of wisdom. Their presence isn’t just about history, it’s proof that in a game obsessed with the future, experience still finds a way to win.

Rick Carlisle – Indiana Pacers | Age: 65

At 65, Rick Carlisle stands as the doyen of NBA sidelines for the 2025-26 season. His career is not merely extensive, it is defined by deep, strategic intelligence. A champion as both a player and a coach, he embodies the meticulous tactician.

His style is marked by an obsessive attention to detail, a rare ability to tailor his system to the strengths of his roster, and a reputation for maximizing his teams’ offensive potential, particularly when working with gifted point guards.

His 2021 return to the Indiana Pacers completed a professional full-circle. In this second era in Indianapolis, he has embraced building a young, fast-paced project, adapting his veteran whiteboard to the modern NBA’s speed. His presence on the bench is not just a matter of tenure; it’s the assurance of a team always ready for a nightly tactical battle.

Doc Rivers – Milwaukee Bucks | Age: 64

Glenn “Doc” Rivers enters his 64th year with a coaching resume few can match, forged in the heat of league contention. His nickname, earned during his playing days with the Atlanta Hawks for wearing a T-shirt featuring Dr. J, has evolved to symbolize his capability as a locker-room “doctor”.

Known for his high charisma and outstanding people management skills, Rivers is the archetype of the coach who gets the best out of superstars, most notably leading the Boston Celtics to the 2008 championship. His arrival with the Milwaukee Bucks mid-season in 2023-24 was a seismic move, an urgent call to stabilize a title contender.

With the Bucks, his mission for the 2025-26 season will be one of redemption, proving that his firm and respected voice is the missing piece to convert sheer talent into a championship banner. His over 1,200 games coached give him the gravitas to navigate any storm.

Billy Donovan – Chicago Bulls | Age: 60

At 60, Billy Donovan has carved out a unique path to the NBA. Before the professional ranks, his name was synonymous with college basketball royalty: two consecutive national championships with the Florida Gators elevated him to the sport’s pantheon.

His transition to the pro game, first with the Oklahoma City Thunder and now with the Chicago Bulls, has been a study in adaptation. While in the NCAA he was known for a frenetic, full-court pressing style, in the NBA he has proven to be a more patient strategist, focused on player development and maintaining a sturdy defensive framework.

In Chicago, his challenge is navigating the complexities of a franchise in constant flux. He brings the rare blend of a great program builder with critical NBA playoff experience, making him a crucial asset for a team seeking sustainable relevance.

Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors | Age: 60

Few names are as synonymous with modern NBA success as Steve Kerr. At 60, the four-time Golden State Warriors champion head coach and five-time champion as a player, personifies the evolution of the sport.

His philosophy transcends mere X’s and O’s; it is deeply rooted in organizational culture: trust, joy, communication and accountability. Kerr, known as one of the most accurate three-point shooters in league history, translated that offensive mindset to his clipboard, creating a ball-movement, position-less system that revolutionized the NBA.

After immense success and multiple Finals appearances, the 2025-26 season finds him in a phase of re-invention, looking to extend the competitiveness of his veteran core while integrating the next generation. His leadership, which also includes his role as the U.S. National Team coach, is a testament to his impact on not only the game but on modern leadership.

Quin Snyder – Atlanta Hawks | Age: 58

Quin Snyder, at 58, brings an unusual level of intellect and academic preparation to the NBA, holding a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Duke University, where he also served as an assistant coach. After honing his skills in college basketball and overseas, he built a reputation in the NBA for his tactical demandingness and focus on player development, particularly during his successful tenure with the Utah Jazz.

He is a recognized offensive and defensive tactician known for the sophistication of his schemes. His arrival with the Atlanta Hawks in 2023 placed him in command of a talented but inconsistent team.

For 2025-26, he is in the molding phase, seeking to impose his rigorous structure and passion for talent development to unlock the franchise’s full potential. His analytical approach promises a measured and thoughtful approach to every game.

Kenny Atkinson – Cleveland Cavaliers | Age: 58

Kenny Atkinson, at 58, has returned to the head coaching role with the Cleveland Cavaliers following an invaluable stretch as a championship assistant. His first head coaching opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets established him as a player development guru, guiding a rebuild from the ground up and converting second-round picks and undrafted players into solid NBA contributors.

He is known for a philosophy that emphasizes intense defense, fast pace, and a “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” mentality. In Cleveland, he inherits a young, promising team loaded with potential.

His challenge for the 2025-26 season is to integrate the discipline learned during his time on elite coaching staffs with his innate talent for polishing diamonds, seeking to elevate the Cavaliers to the next level of Eastern Conference contention.

Nick Nurse – Philadelphia 76ers | Age: 58

Nick Nurse, at 58, is a unique character in the NBA landscape. His path to success was not the traditional one of the NCAA, but was forged on courts across Europe, giving him a global perspective and an open mind for innovation.

This blend of experiences culminated in the 2019 championship with the Toronto Raptors, where he later won the 2020 Coach of the Year award. He is celebrated for his aggressive and chameleon-like defensive whiteboard, utilizing bold blitzes and switching schemes that few dare to implement.

With the Philadelphia 76ers, his mission is to capitalize on his superstar’s talent, combining his defensive intensity with the tactical flexibility necessary to succeed in the playoffs. He is a coach unafraid to experiment, and his personality is as candid as his strategies.

Chris Finch – Minnesota Timberwolves | Age: 55

At 55, Chris Finch is one of the “young veterans” of this group, but his experience traces back to a deep immersion in international basketball, playing and coaching for years in England and other European countries before reaching the NBA.

This background has instilled in him a less structured approach, oriented toward player freedom and intelligence, summarized by his philosophy: “If you give freedom to your players, they’re going to gravitate to the things they do well“. His work with the Minnesota Timberwolves has been a study in adapting to the team’s immense but sometimes inconsistent talent.

Finch, a former G-League Coach of the Year, has been the architect behind the Wolves’ transformation into a Western Conference contender. For the 2025-26 season, his challenge is to solidify a long-term winning identity, maintaining cohesion in a high-caliber locker room. His recent selection as an All-Star coach is a testament to his ability to maximize a multi-star lineup.

Doug Christie – Sacramento Kings | Age: 55

At 55, Doug Christie represents a newer, yet familiar, face in the head coaching ranks, taking the reins of the Sacramento Kings after years spent as a defensive specialist on various coaching staffs.

Known during his 15-year playing career as one of the league’s most tenacious and intelligent perimeter defenders—a cornerstone of the great Kings teams of the early 2000s—he brings that identity back to the franchise. Promoted to Head Coach in May 2025, his coaching philosophy is rooted in defensive intensity and accountability.

While he has learned from modern minds like Mike Brown, his essence remains that of a hard-nosed veteran prioritizing the less glamorous end of the floor. For the Kings, his mission in 2025-26 is to instill the kind of defensive culture that can turn a high-octane offensive team into a true playoff threat.

Erik Spoelstra – Miami Heat | Age: 54

Erik Spoelstra is, quite simply, an anomaly. At 54, he is one of the youngest coaches in the league to be ranked among the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History and, since 2025, the longest-tenured active head coach with a single team.

His journey from video coordinator in 1995 to two-time NBA champion head coach with the Miami Heat is a testament to relentless work ethic, a willingness to adapt, and a profound understanding of the demanding “Heat Culture” established by Pat Riley.

His style is characterized by tactical brilliance, player-specific development, and an unwavering standard of conditioning and effort, extracting maximum value from every player on the roster. Also the Head Coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team, his focus in 2025-26 will be to continue pushing his Miami teams, often underdogs, to the NBA Finals using structure, resilience, and sheer grit.

Jason Kidd – Dallas Mavericks | Age: 52

Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard renowned for his vision and uncanny ability to facilitate, now applies that court intelligence to the Dallas Mavericks‘ sideline. At 52, his coaching trajectory has been marked by early turbulence with the Nets and Bucks, followed by success in Dallas, culminating in a Western Conference Finals appearance.

He has evolved from the flashy passer of his playing days to a coach who demands high defensive effort and seeks to empower his backcourt star, leveraging his own experience as a dominant ball-handler. His 2011 NBA title with the Mavericks as a player provides him with unique credibility.

For the 2025-26 season, his primary challenge is balancing the offensive brilliance of his young superstar with the team’s need for consistent, disciplined defense—a testament to his continuous evolution from a “cavalry leader” to a “wise floor general” on the bench.

Brian Keefe – Washington Wizards | Age: 49

Brian Keefe, 49, may be relatively new to the head coach spotlight, but his 20-plus years of experience in the NBA’s operational engine rooms make him a seasoned hand. His professional roots trace back to the San Antonio Spurs’ championship staff in 2007, and he spent pivotal years as an assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he was credited with the development of future MVPs like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

He is known for his ability to improve defense—he drastically lifted the Lakers’ defensive ranking during his tenure there—and his focus on player growth and technique. As the Washington Wizards’ permanent Head Coach, he is tasked with the foundational work of a complete franchise rebuild. His 2025-26 season will be defined by patiently implementing the core principles of winning and cultivating the next generation of talent.

Chauncey Billups – Portland Trail Blazers | Age: 49

A five-time All-Star, NBA Champion and Finals MVP, Chauncey Billups brings an undeniable pedigree to the Portland Trail Blazers‘ bench. At 49, he is one of a handful of coaches on this list inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player, giving him instant gravitas in any locker room.

After years of playing under elite coaches, he served as an assistant to Tyronn Lue before taking the top job in Portland. His coaching philosophy is centered around the toughness, defensive tenacity, and clutch execution that defined his playing career.

Though he has faced the inevitable challenges of navigating a franchise rebuild, the 2025-26 season is crucial for him to demonstrate that his championship DNA can successfully translate into a coherent, competitive system for a young, evolving Blazers squad.

Tyronn Lue – Los Angeles Clippers | Age: 48

At 48, Tyronn Lue is already a championship head coach and widely regarded as one of the best in-game strategists in the league. His coaching style is defined by his remarkable adaptability and tactical fluidity, often making crucial in-game and series-long adjustments that dismantle opponents.

Having played on championship teams with the Lakers and coached a title winner, he carries the respect necessary to manage star-heavy rosters effectively. With the Los Angeles Clippers, he has consistently guided his team deep into the playoffs, leveraging his deep understanding of the star player dynamic.

The 2025-26 season sees him focused on navigating the rigors of an intense Western Conference, proving that his steady hand and tactical genius are the keys to a championship breakthrough for the Clippers organization.

Ime Udoka – Houston Rockets | Age: 48

Ime Udoka, 48, quickly established his coaching bona fides by leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals in his rookie season before taking the job with the Houston Rockets. A former Gregg Popovich assistant, his roots are in strong defense and uncompromising accountability.

As a coach, he demands a high level of physicality and effort, quickly imposing a distinct, no-nonsense culture on his teams. His focus with the Rockets is entirely on transforming a young, talented group into a disciplined, playoff-caliber unit, leveraging his experience as a player and assistant across multiple successful franchises.

The 2025-26 season will serve as a crucial test to see how effectively he can sustain his high standards and develop his young core into a cohesive, competitive force in the West.

In a June 2025 conversation with Bill Simmons, Rivers pointed to the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s as the gold standard on defense. “Listen, I played against all of them. And that one year with the Bulls, Ron Harper, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan. I mean, those are four elite, elite, elite defenders. I don’t think there was a better defensive team than that with their size and quickness,” Doc said.

Rivers was referring to the 1995–96 season, which was his final year in the NBA before retiring at age 35 with the San Antonio Spurs. That season, Chicago captured the NBA title with a performance many still consider the best in league history.

The Bulls dominated the regular season with a 72–10 record—a league-best at the time until the Golden State Warriors went 73–9 in 2016. That championship also marked the start of Chicago’s second three-peat, following their first run from 1991 to 1993.

Rivers breaks down the Bulls’ defense

Rivers elaborated on what made that Chicago team stand out defensively. “One of the things that the Bulls did that I don’t think any other team has ever done in the history of the game is the way they trap,” he explained.

“The Bulls would actually send a guy to the sideline, and as a guard, I remember this. You thought, ‘Okay, now I can beat him down the sideline,’ but the guy guarding you actually beat you to the sideline, and then you would turn your back, and there’s another defender, and you’re basically in the web,” added the Bucks coach. “No one’s ever been able to do that, trapping in the frontcourt. They did it in the backcourt. They did it all the time.”

While crediting the system, Rivers also highlighted the mastermind behind it. “That was Phil,” he said, referring to head coach Phil Jackson. But he emphasized that the players executed it to perfection. “They had four pit bulls that could get away with it and I’ve never seen a team do that.”

Rivers highlights other top defensive teams

In the same conversation, Doc Rivers also acknowledged other teams with elite defensive credentials. First among them was one he coached: “Our 2008 Celtics were tough,” he said, referencing the Boston team that won the NBA championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals.

Surprisingly, Rivers placed the current Oklahoma City Thunder in similar defensive territory. The Thunder went on to win the 2024–25 NBA title, and Rivers drew comparisons between them and that legendary Bulls squad: “This team is similar. They rival it a little bit.”

“He’s (Damian Lillard) done everything right throughout his career. He’s done everything that a franchise can ask for if you’re trying to win. So he did all the good stuff for us. Obviously, we weren’t going to have him this year with the injury. But you don’t just lose a player, you lose a person. That’s a tough loss for your franchise,” Doc Rivers expressed in the postgame interview of a NBA Summer League game.

Damian Lillard undeniably ranked among the franchise’s most pivotal players, sharing the spotlight with Giannis Antetokounmpo. His departure reportedly unsettled the Greek star, especially as Lillard had been in peak form before his injury. This season, he averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game.

In addition to his individual brilliance, the veteran established an exceptional offensive partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This dynamic duo’s absence will undoubtedly challenge Milwaukee moving forward. Although Damian Lillard reportedly felt elated by his release, he now faces the opportunity to choose his next NBA destination, a first in his career.

NBA veteran Paul George weighs in on Damian Lillard’s future

Damian Lillard’s future remains a hot topic in the NBA. At 34, his stint with the Milwaukee Bucks has piqued interest from several teams. The Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors lead the chase for the 2026-27 season, with the Miami Heat also reportedly entering the race. Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George hints that another franchise might suit Lillard even better.

“Put him with Houston (Rockets)… You put him on that team where there is a KD, there’s defense around him. There’s length around him. If it’s a smaller guard, pair him with length around him,” Paul George said, via Podcast P. His potential arrival in the 2026-27 season could seamlessly integrate into a squad boasting both elite defense and offense. Despite speculation, there has not been any reported interest from Houston yet.

Even if some experts view Lillard’s injury as a limitation, yet his upcoming free agency has drawn considerable interest due to his rumored willingness to accept a pay cut. This comes after securing a $113 million severance package, to be paid over five years. Nonetheless, his desire to play closer to home might influence which franchises emerge as serious contenders in the months ahead.

“They also have some things coming up called max contracts and paying guys…What Sam (Presti) has done is amazing when you think about it… But next year, after this season or in a year, they’re going to have to start paying guys. And then all of a sudden, they probably won’t be as deep as they are now, because they’re going to have to make some tough decisions,” Doc Rivers said, via The Bill Simmons podcast.

Rivers’ comments, often perceived as criticism, actually underscore a harsh reality facing the Thunder: only financial constraints could dampen their clear dominance. Although they failed to clinch the NBA Finals against the Pacers in six games, their consistent competitiveness and ability to stay on top throughout the season have been nothing short of exemplary.

The Thunder have constructed an impressive roster, but looming supermax extensions could pose challenges. For instance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, after earning MVP honors, becomes eligible for a five-year extension worth $380 million in 2026, according to CBS Sports. Moreover, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are still on rookie contracts. Negotiations with these players could complicate the team’s salary cap situation.

This scenario resembles the Boston Celtics, who built a strong roster with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum leading their salary scale. However, other key players like Derrick White and Al Horford carry significant salaries. This could lead to luxury tax penalties and financial strain. Consequently, the team might face dissolution, reflecting potential future issues for the Thunder, as Doc Rivers suggests.

Whether the Oklahoma City Thunder win the 2025 NBA Championship, they could enhance their roster’s longevity. The Boston Celtics experienced financial strain after not dominating the league. Therefore, if the Thunder establish NBA dominance, they could manage roster continuity more effectively. Their future largely depends on their success and strategic decisions.

“I don’t think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State, ever, and I’m hoping obviously Giannis is the same way,” Rivers said during a recent interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast. The coach made it clear that, just as Curry has remained with one franchise since entering the NBA in 2009, Antetokounmpo could follow a similar path. “That’s the way he’s been so far and it’s been great.”

But beyond speculation, Rivers turned to facts, specifically the Greek power forward’s own words whenever he’s discussed his future. “I don’t know how many more times Giannis has to say he wants to be a Buck and he wants to win a title with the Bucks,” said Rivers. “And it’s so cool to me… because it’s not the way it’s done anymore.”

The Bucks coach went on to talk about how these types of rumors can be a distraction for NBA teams, even when there’s no truth to them. “It’s so ridiculous and you hear all this stuff. But you don’t like it when you hear it because you know it’s not true… your players hear it and everybody else hears it,” he added.

To illustrate his point, Rivers recalled a similar situation during his time as head coach of the Boston Celtics (2004–2013), when reports surfaced about a possible trade involving Rajon Rondo—even though nothing was actually being considered by the organization at the time: “I was like, ‘What?’ And it was absurd, like we had never had any conversations, but Rondo heard it. And so that’s the only thing I don’t like about all this now.”

Rumors surrounding Giannis

In recent weeks, reports from multiple sources have suggested that various teams around the league are interested in pursuing a trade for Antetokounmpo. Among those frequently mentioned are the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks.

However, statements like those from Doc Rivers cast doubt on the likelihood of Giannis leaving Milwaukee anytime soon. The most probable outcome appears to be his continued tenure with the team he led to an NBA championship in 2021. The forward is under contract with the Bucks for three more seasons, including a player option for the final year (2027–28).

Rivers on Damian Lillard

In addition to Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are counting on Damian Lillard. The guard has been a key piece for the team, but a serious Achilles tendon injury suffered this year will keep him off the court for an extended period.

When asked about speculation surrounding Lillard’s return, Doc Rivers was clear. “I’m staying out of it but I do think he’ll come back by the end of the next season you know because he had it early enough in the playoffs,” the coach said during the same conversation on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

“Our offense wasn’t good…Shots did not fall. It felt like it was Game 1. Guys get, like, anxious. They kind of inch in towards the ball because they want the ball, they want to make a play, they want to get themselves involved in the game, and I don’t think it’s from bad ego…I feel like everybody’s trying to do the right thing…Everyone has the right intentions, but we just gotta be better, just having patience and just trusting. Trusting one another, trusting that the ball is going to find us, trusting that we’re going to make plays,” stated Giannis Antetokounmpo.

After the game, many analysts blamed the Bucks’ loss on the players’ egos. Giannis Antetokounmpo disagreed with that take. He said ego had nothing to do with the defeat. Still, one thing was clear throughout the game: no one stepped up to support Giannis offensively. The lack of help hurt the team at key moments. That is why the possible return of Damian Lillard matters so much. With him, Giannis would not carry the offense alone.

Doc Rivers harshly criticizes Bucks’ offense after disappointing performance

Being self-critical is often the first step toward turning things around. That’s why Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments landed well with fans. Shortly after, Doc Rivers addressed the media and echoed Giannis’ tone. He admitted the offense struggled and went further by offering a brief analysis.

“I thought our offense was awful...We just didn’t play the way we played during this stretch (to close the season) offensively. And I thought we had a lot of missed shots, which allowed them to have a lot of breakouts. We had our mistakes defensively too — they were shooting 60 percent — but I thought, as your defense is connected to your offense, your offense is connected to your defense, and we’re not gonna beat them scoring 98 points,” confessed Doc Rivers.

Rivers also emphasized that the Bucks need to make several adjustments to beat the Pacers in the series. “We got to get back to our spacing, trusting, playing downhill, moving the ball. If we do that, we’ll go to the line more, we will make more baskets. We’ll be able to set our defense up, and I think we’ll be better.”

“It’s hard to score when you don’t touch the ball…Kyle got two shots in the first half, both with two seconds on the shot clock. Kuzma can play, we just gotta involve him and we gotta make sure to keep him involved,” explained Doc Rivers.

Doc Rivers took the blame for Kyle Kuzma’s poor performance. However, it is hard to ignore that he produced nothing in 21 minutes. Even Pat Connaughton, who played just 1:22, managed to score three points. That comparison makes Kuzma’s NBA performance even more disappointing.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ disappointing performance adds weight to a growing belief. Damian Lillard’s return could be the spark they need to avoid falling into a bad streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo is carrying the entire offense. Without a teammate like Lillard, a poor performance like Kyle Kuzma’s becomes even more costly.

However, critics are focusing only on Kuzma. They are ignoring a larger problem. No other Bucks player besides Giannis scored more than 15 points. That is especially frustrating in Brook Lopez’s case. He finished with only 9 points and 4 rebounds. If the Bucks want to win this series, more players must step up. This is where Doc Rivers needs to find answers and shift the momentum.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to Bucks’ performance after tough loss to Pacers

The Milwaukee Bucks won only the third quarter in their game against the Indiana Pacers. They got dominated in the first half and could not recover in the final stretch. The team lacked energy and execution early on, which allowed Indiana to take control. Despite the loss, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an outstanding performance. He led all players in key statistics and stayed aggressive throughout the game.

However, the Bucks’ star didn’t focus on his individual numbers. Instead, he acknowledged the team’s poor showing and addressed what needs to improve moving forward. “The way we played tonight, at times, wasn’t us. I think we’re gonna be better. In the second half, we were better… Hopefully, it can carry over to the next game,” affirmed Giannis.

This is only the first game of the series, and the Bucks still have a chance to bounce back. However, they must improve a lot as a team to turn the series around. The Pacers have one clear strength, though: their balance. That could make the difference if Milwaukee does not respond quickly.

Currently sitting in fifth place, the Bucks are far from hitting their stride. The loss to the Warriors marked the team’s fifth defeat in their last seven games, prompting Rivers to meet with the team’s two biggest stars to discuss the situation and plot a way to turn things around.

“With the Bucks struggling recently, and a dispirited loss to the Warriors last night, sources relayed to me that head coach Doc Rivers, after the game, called a meeting with his two superstars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard,” NBA insider Chris Haynes reported. “In this meeting, there was an open forum to provide input on ways to improve the team. It was a constructive discussion with each individual being allowed to share their perspectives“.

The Bucks left much to be desired in their most recent loss at Chase Center, especially on the offensive end. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 20 points on 5-of-16 shooting, while Damian Lillard recorded 16 points, hitting 6-of-18 shots and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc.

What was even more alarming was that Milwaukee failed to score a single point in the final four minutes of the game, raising concerns for the team as they eye the upcoming playoffs.

Antetokounmpo sends clear message to his teammates

The Greek star made it clear after the game that he feels the responsibility of carrying the team, especially in crucial moments. He expressed that it sometimes feels like only he and Lillard are playing aggressively, while others are slower to adapt.

“We just gotta be more clear with what we’re trying to accomplish. I feel like at times it’s just me and Dame (Lillard) trying to be aggressive, and everybody plays through that,” Giannis told reporters postgame. “I feel the last couple of games, dug in the fourth quarter, we kind of like try to be too unselfish instead of trying to go downhill and make something happen”.

“As a team, we just gotta play free,” he continued. “Gotta play free, it’s gotta be like a joy within the game. And stop thinking about negative stuff. Me personally, I just gotta be aggressive. I gotta be aggressive, I gotta (be) like ‘F what everybody’s talking about,‘ and just kinda go downhill and be myself, and enjoy the game again. That’s pretty much it”.

Kyle Kuzma reflects on offensive struggles

There’s no question the Bucks struggled offensively in their defeat to the Warriors, but the most troubling part was their inability to score during the final minutes of the game. Kyle Kuzma weighed in on the team’s struggles, noting that they couldn’t execute their usual offense.

“Well, we went to something that we were really, really comfortable with,” Kuzma said after the game. “Playing that spread, playing with Giannis up, pick and roll, putting weaker defenders, whether it was Buddy [Hield] or somebody else, and we just didn’t connect”.

“We missed a couple bunnies. He missed a couple bunnies. Dame missed a couple bunnies, shots that they typically always make, so you just gotta live with it,” he added.

“Giannis’ numbers, it’s almost like he’s a forgotten great player in the league,” Rivers remarked during the postgame press conference, in a video shared by ESPN on X. “I hear about everybody else, and I don’t hear enough about what Giannis is doing.”

The Milwaukee coach then highlighted the enormous impact Antetokounmpo has had all season long. “You put his numbers up against anybody in the league this year; you really can’t. Then we factor in that he plays on both sides of the ball as well,” Doc continued. “He’s having a career year, and in some ways, I feel it’s going unnoticed.”

Giannis played just 25 minutes in the win against Dallas, but that was enough for him to contribute 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists—impressive numbers that reaffirm what he has done all season. The Greek forward has been, along with Damian Lillard, a key figure in the Bucks’ strong performance, with the team sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 36-25 record.

Antetokounmpo ranks second in the NBA in scoring this season, averaging 30.8 points per game—only behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who averages 32.8. Additionally, the Bucks star grabs 12.1 rebounds (fifth in the league) and dishes out 5.9 assists.

Doc Rivers’ unexpected comparison

Reflecting on how little attention the league seems to pay to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s consistent excellence, Doc Rivers made an unusual comparison. “To me, he’s like Groundhog Day,” the coach said. “He does it every day, the same thing. And I think at times, we do take it for granted. And we really shouldn’t.”

Rivers was referring to the iconic 1993 film, in which Bill Murray plays a television weatherman stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over again while everyone around him remains oblivious.

Giannis sets an NBA record and eyes more milestones

During the win against the Dallas Mavericks, Giannis surpassed the 20,000-point mark in the NBA, becoming the 52nd player in history to do so. Moreover, only five players reached the milestone at a younger age than Antetokounmpo (30 years old). These players are Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Wilt Chamberlain.

All of these stars eventually reached the 30,000-point mark, and that is now Antetokounmpo’s next goal. “For sure, 100% I’m going to get there,” Giannis said after the game, according to ClutchPoints. “I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I’m gonna show up every single day and I’m gonna do it.”