Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers credited his team’s defensive adjustments for the 116-101 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
“We came out in the third quarter. I thought our defense was phenomenal. We basically took away their threes,” Rivers said, noting how limiting Boston’s outside shooting was key to the win.
Rivers pointed to the team’s early resilience as a turning point. “They jumped on us at the beginning of the game. We got right back in it… that gave us life,” he explained, reflecting on the Bucks’ comeback from an early deficit.
Kyle Kuzma led the charge offensively, scoring a season-high 31 points while hitting 11 of 13 shots, including five from beyond the arc. Rivers praised Kuzma’s discipline on shot selection. “He’s bought into his shot profile. He really avoids the in-between jump shot… we want him attacking the basket or taking corner threes,” Rivers said.
Bobby Portis also made a major impact with 27 points and 10 rebounds. “It was just great. We needed it. He got it in the right spots and took the right shots. One of his better defensive games as well,” Rivers said, highlighting Portis’ two-way contribution.
Kevin Porter Jr. added a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. Rivers credited Porter for controlling the floor. “After the first quarter and a half, he was phenomenal… attacking and making plays. Down the stretch we wanted to put it in his hands to make plays,” Rivers said.
The coach emphasized the importance of spacing and organization throughout the game. “I thought the spacing was perfect tonight. When a guard drove, he knew where the other guy was… we played a very organized basketball game,” Rivers said.
Rivers also noted the preparation leading into the game. “A lot of multiple effort drills… everything was multiple effort, multiple effort, multiple effort. I thought it spilled over into the game,” he said, pointing to the intensity and focus that fueled the win.
Boston’s Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 30 points, while Jordan Walsh added 20, but it wasn’t enough to extend their five-game winning streak. The Bucks overcame an early 10-point deficit, going on an 11-0 run in the third quarter to take control.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a strained right calf, Milwaukee relied on balanced scoring and disciplined defense to secure the victory. The Bucks will travel to Brooklyn on Sunday, while the Celtics host Detroit on Monday.
