Bucks head coach Doc Rivers admitted his team struggled from the opening tip in Tuesday’s 139-106 loss to Minnesota. “They started the game eight of 12 from three…just beat us off the dribble all night,” he said.
Rivers acknowledged fatigue played a role in the team’s flat performance. “I honestly thought we were playing with dead legs…coming back from a road trip, having one game and then leaving again tomorrow,” he explained.
The coach emphasized that responsibility lies with him, not the players. “I have to do a better job with this group. I have to get them out of this hole and I don’t think it’s on them. I think it’s on me,” Rivers said.
Rivers also noted the impact of missing Myles Turner. “Myles would have had to guard the basket all night…they’re beating us off the dribble at all five positions,” he said. The Timberwolves exploited gaps, shooting 60% from the floor and making 22 of 43 three-pointers.
He discussed the team’s recent shooting woes. “Ryan probably had shots, they just didn’t fall…we were 13 for 36 from three,” Rivers said. He added that Minnesota’s efficiency left the Bucks unable to recover despite Giannis Antetokounmpo contributing 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Rivers addressed the challenge of the schedule and road stretch. “I’d love you guys to go on that trip and come back and have legs…this next one’s going to be a hard game, we’re playing a really good team,” he said. He stressed that the team needs to balance rest and practice to rebound in upcoming matchups.
Reflecting on the team’s effort, Rivers stressed accountability over excuses. “They just played so hard…at the end of the day, they’re playing games too, so I don’t want to make excuses,” he said.
The Bucks fell to 17-23 while the Timberwolves improved to 27-14 behind Julius Randle’s 29 points and Bones Hyland’s season-high 23 off the bench. Minnesota dominated the boards and spacing, capitalizing on Milwaukee’s defensive lapses to set a franchise-record road halftime lead of 76-45.
Rivers concluded by underscoring the need to respond quickly. “We got one more tough game…and then we have three days off…we’ve got to figure out between now and then how much rest we can get our guys to get them back up,” he said.
