Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers highlighted his team’s defensive changes as a key factor in their 116-101 win 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, emphasizing that containing Boston’s outside shooting was crucial to the victory.
Rivers highlighted the team’s early resilience as a key moment. “They jumped on us at the beginning of the game. We got right back in it… that gave us life,” he said, reflecting on the Bucks’ recovery from an early 14-point hole.
Doc Rivers defense stifles the rising Celtics
Kyle Kuzma spearheaded the offense, posting a season-high 31 points on 11 of 13 shooting, including five three-pointers. Rivers commended Kuzma for his disciplined 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,” added the Bucks head coach.
Bobby Portis contributed significantly, adding 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Kevin Porter Jr. recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. Rivers praised Porter for his command on the court.
“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 remarked.
“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,” the Bucks head coach stressed.
Former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 30 points, and Jordan Walsh contributed 20, but it wasn’t enough to keep their five-game winning streak alive. The Bucks overcame an early 10-point deficit, using an 11-0 run in the third quarter to seize control.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo still out with a strained right calf, Milwaukee leaned on balanced scoring and focused defense to earn the win.
The Bucks will hit the road to face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
