The Milwaukee Bucks edged out the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 in a nail-biter at Fiserv Forum, all without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Head coach Doc Rivers highlighted the team's execution, attention to detail, and ability to learn from past mistakes as the keys to this hard-fought victory.
Rivers emphasized the importance of the Bucks' balanced scoring attack, which allowed various players to step up and seize scoring opportunities. "Two nights in a row now, it’s Kevin and Ryan scoring your final eight points," Rivers noted, pointing to the critical contributions from Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, who notched 20 and 18 points, respectively.
The Bucks' resilience shines through
Rivers gave a nod to the bench for executing the game plan with precision. Jericho Sims, in particular, brought energy and movement that created scoring lanes, much like Giannis does in his pick-and-roll sets. "Jericho was huge," Rivers said, "rolling and getting behind their defense, opening up for Ryan and Scoot."
The coach praised the team’s chemistry and the confidence that comes from winning. With eight victories in their last ten games without Giannis, Rivers expressed satisfaction with their ability to compete at a high level, reinforcing the belief that they can take on any challenge.
Rivers also touched on the mental aspect, acknowledging how losing streaks can impact players' mindsets. But with their recent success, the Bucks are focused on maintaining their momentum.
Looking ahead, Milwaukee sets its sights on extending their winning streak against the New York Knicks on Friday. Rivers emphasized the need for strong execution, controlling the pace, and ensuring balanced contributions from every lineup. The Bucks are proving they can thrive, even without their MVP.