- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 562,939
- Reaction score
- 48
With their back against the wall, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers could only look as they blew a seven-point lead in overtime against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 on Tuesday.
The Bucks lost, 118-111, and packed their bags in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
Rivers quickly earned the ire of fans after the game. Many wanted him gone, citing his string of collapses in the playoffs in recent years, including during his stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was heavily criticized when the Bucks struggled early this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, defended Rivers, saying it is up to the players to compete for the veteran coach.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shakes the hand of coach Doc Rivers.Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Bucks turned their campaign around—even winning the NBA Cup—and advanced to the playoffs as the fifth seed. But now, with another early exit, Antetokounmpo was asked about his relationship with Rivers.
"I love Doc," said the Bucks star in the postgame conference. "I think he's a great human being. I think he's a great dude.
"He knows how to uplift your spirits and always knows the right thing to say at the right moment."
Antetokounmpo added a tongue-in-cheek remark: "He's been in the NBA for 50 years. Is it 50? I don't know. Maybe. A lot of years."
Last season, the Bucks made the surprising decision to fire coach Adrian Griffin after just 43 games in his maiden stint and replaced him with Rivers. The 63-year-old Rivers led the Boston Celtics to the championship in 2008 but has since failed to duplicate the success.
But for Antetokounmpo, who had a triple-double of 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists, his admiration for Rivers extends beyond the hardwood.
"I love him not only as a coach but as a person," added the two-time MVP. "I think he's a great person. I love working with him."
Rivers is under a four-year deal worth $40 million, according to Spotrac.
Continue reading...
The Bucks lost, 118-111, and packed their bags in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
Rivers quickly earned the ire of fans after the game. Many wanted him gone, citing his string of collapses in the playoffs in recent years, including during his stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was heavily criticized when the Bucks struggled early this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, defended Rivers, saying it is up to the players to compete for the veteran coach.
You must be registered for see images attach
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shakes the hand of coach Doc Rivers.Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Bucks turned their campaign around—even winning the NBA Cup—and advanced to the playoffs as the fifth seed. But now, with another early exit, Antetokounmpo was asked about his relationship with Rivers.
"I love Doc," said the Bucks star in the postgame conference. "I think he's a great human being. I think he's a great dude.
"He knows how to uplift your spirits and always knows the right thing to say at the right moment."
Antetokounmpo added a tongue-in-cheek remark: "He's been in the NBA for 50 years. Is it 50? I don't know. Maybe. A lot of years."
Last season, the Bucks made the surprising decision to fire coach Adrian Griffin after just 43 games in his maiden stint and replaced him with Rivers. The 63-year-old Rivers led the Boston Celtics to the championship in 2008 but has since failed to duplicate the success.
But for Antetokounmpo, who had a triple-double of 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists, his admiration for Rivers extends beyond the hardwood.
"I love him not only as a coach but as a person," added the two-time MVP. "I think he's a great person. I love working with him."
Rivers is under a four-year deal worth $40 million, according to Spotrac.
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Insane Offer for Rare LeBron James-Steph Curry-Kevin Durant Item
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Justifies His Unusual Pick for NBA's Best Player
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Justifies His Unusual Pick for NBA's Best Player
Continue reading...
