Disappointing Loss to Lowly Memphis Grizzlies
The Milwaukee Bucks suffered yet another defeat under new head coach Doc Rivers, losing 113-110 to the struggling Memphis Grizzlies. This loss marks the team’s seventh defeat in the past ten games since Rivers took over.
A Surprising Coaching Change
Rivers joined the Bucks in January, leaving his role as an ESPN analyst to replace Adrian Griffin. Griffin’s dismissal came as a shock, considering the Bucks’ impressive 30-13 record at the time, which was tied for second-best in the league.
Struggles Under Rivers
Milwaukee’s latest loss against the injury-ridden Grizzlies drops their record to 3-7 under Rivers. Their performance on the court has been underwhelming, with a miscommunication on the final play of the game exemplifying their struggles.
Unfortunate Miscommunication
In the closing moments of the game, the Bucks attempted a comeback after reducing a nine-point deficit to just three. However, a miscommunication between center Brook Lopez and All-Star Damian Lillard disrupted their play, resulting in a missed last-second shot from Lillard.
Rivers Unhappy with Lack of Effort
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Rivers criticized his team’s effort, suggesting that some players were already mentally checked out ahead of the All-Star break. “We had some guys here and some guys in Cabo,” he told reporters after the game.
The Bucks’ Star-Studded Roster
Despite their recent struggles, the Bucks have two 2024 All-Star starters in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. They currently hold the third spot in the Eastern Conference.
Shorthanded Grizzlies Rise to the Occasion
The Grizzlies, who have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, entered the game with 10 players on their injury report. However, they refused to let the perceived disparity in firepower hinder their performance. Forward Ziaire Williams and rookie GG Jackson II stepped up and scored 27 points each, leading the Grizzlies to this surprising upset.
Grizzlies Embrace Adversity
Following the victory, Williams expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “It’s good to see. One man falls down, and another one steps up. We’re having fun through it all, can’t ask for more.”
Rivers Frustrated by Early Game Mistakes
Rivers voiced frustration with his team for allowing the shorthanded Grizzlies to gain an advantage. “I thought the start of the game set the tone,” he said. “When you start a game out, with a team that has key guys out, and you allow them to make layups and threes, now they’re confident. These guys (Grizzlies role players) have been stars somewhere in their life. Don’t remind them of that.”
Bucks’ Record and Celtics’ Dominance
With a current record of 35-21, the Bucks find themselves 8.5 games behind the first-seeded Boston Celtics. They will need to regroup and improve their performance to secure a higher seed in the Eastern Conference.
Grizzlies’ Season Takes a Turn
The Grizzlies’ victory brings their record to 20-36, placing them 13th in the competitive Western Conference. Their season faced a significant setback when All-Star guard Ja Morant was ruled out due to injury.