It’s hard going down 0-2 in a seven-game series and the Milwaukee Bucks need to have some sense of urgency to avert that. What’s one of the first thing they should address? Doc Rivers points to physicality and even referenced another team from another conference for his players to copy.
The Bucks fell to the Indiana Pacers on the first game of their first round series and they were listless almost the entire game.
They went down by double digits after surrendering eight points at the end of the first quarter. They tried their best in the third quarter when they outscored their hosts by seven points but they were not able to sustain it.
The team eventually lost by 19 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 36 points and 12 rebounds were not enough. He had just one assists as the whole team, specifically the starters, struggled in their shooting, recording just 24.3 percent from the three point line.
The next best scorer was AJ Green who finished with 15 points from the bench on five out of 11 shooting from the 3-point line.
Doc Rivers wants his team to be physical
Antetokounmpo’s main highlight from the game was his two blocks in the fourth quarter when they were trying to get the game to a single digit lead.
They will need more of defensive urgency and Rivers pointed to the Houston Rockets’ style as a blueprint for that. He wants them to play extra physical.
“I think one thing that the playoff is showing is this, they’re gonna let you play,” he told reporters on Monday.
“I watched the Houston game last night, and my gosh, they’re gonna let you play. And that’s what we want. That’s.. I like that. I think it’s better. It’s a better brand of basketball. It’s more competitive, but we have to be able to play through it.
“You just can’t be the hitter and then not be able to take the hits. You got to be able to do both.”
Rockets indeed play physical against the Golden State Warriors as the game finished 95-85 in favor of the Stephen Curry-led team.
People thought it was a throwback basketball. Even head coach Steve Kerr said it felt like a 1997 game.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
