Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reached into NBA history Sunday, pulling out a classic Red Auerbach quote to light a fire under his slumping team. Facing the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum, the Bucks had a chance to snap a three-game skid. Instead, they crashed to a 145-124 defeat—their fourth straight loss—leaving Rivers to shrug, “We didn’t listen well, I guess.” Here’s how Milwaukee’s latest stumble unfolded and what it means for their fading playoff hopes.
Auerbach’s Wisdom Meets a Defensive Collapse
Rivers, channeling the legendary Celtics coach, preached hustle and possession protection before tip-off. “Red used to say, ‘The ball’s gold—don’t give it away,’” he told his squad, hoping to spark some grit. But the Hawks torched that plan, dropping 145 points on a Bucks defense that’s now surrendered 130-plus in three of their last four games. Giannis Antetokounmpo fought valiantly with 38 points and 11 rebounds, but Atlanta’s Trae Young (31 points, 12 assists) and Jalen Johnson (27 points) carved up Milwaukee like it was an exhibition.
Injuries and Absences Pile On
The Bucks’ woes aren’t just about effort— injuries are gutting them too. Damian Lillard, sidelined indefinitely with a blood clot, leaves a gaping hole at guard. Brook Lopez sat out with a thigh issue, forcing Giannis into the five spot and exposing Milwaukee’s rebounding woes—outdone 48-36 by Atlanta. “We’re missing 14 rebounds a game without those guys,” Rivers lamented. The team’s 32-41 record and ninth-place standing in the Eastern Conference scream urgency, but the roster’s just not whole.
Fans Turn Up the Heat
Milwaukee faithful are losing patience. “Giannis is a one-man team now,” one fan vented online after the game. Rivers’ 18-24 record since taking over midseason hasn’t helped his case—especially after replacing Adrian Griffin’s winning mark with this tailspin. Kyle Kuzma’s post-game quip, “Guess Auerbach’s words got lost in translation,” summed up the night’s futility. With the Bucks’ defense ranking 22nd league-wide, the calls for change are growing louder.
Can Milwaukee Turn It Around?
At 2-8 in their last 10, the Bucks face a brutal stretch ahead—starting with the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Rivers remains defiant: “I still believe in this group. We’ve got to fight through it.” But with nine games left and the postseason clock ticking, Milwaukee needs more than old quotes—they need wins. Is this a bump in the road or the end of an era? Giannis and company have to answer soon.