Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34). Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers is getting tough on struggling Bucks

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/8/24

Doc Rivers hasn't had the immediate impact the Milwaukee Bucks hoped for. The veteran head coach boasts a 15-17 record with the franchise. He has failed to fix its defensive issues, and its offense has nosedived since he replaced Adrian Griffin.

According to Shams Charania, Rivers has gotten tough on his new team. He reportedly held clear-the-air talks with his top nine players during a film session he called to help halt their slide.

"Doc Rivers, players, coaches, everyone's said it publicly and privately," Charania said. "These losses, three in a row, they lost to subpar teams last week and last night against the Knicks...These losses are unacceptable...I'm told on Saturday, Doc Rivers called for a team film session that included nine of their top rotation players. That includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard...All of them went one by one to speak their mind and talk through the issues that this team is facing."

"I'm told on Saturday, Doc Rivers called for a team film session that included 9 of their top rotation players...All of them went one by one to speak their mind, and talk through the issues that this team is facing."@ShamsCharania on Doc Rivers and the #Bucks

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— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 8, 2024

Milwaukee is supposed to be a contending team. It has four games remaining on its regular-season schedule. It is at risk of losing its spot as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, with the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks one game behind in the standings.

Rivers needs to help turn his team's fortunes around. The Bucks have the top-tier talent to be a genuine threat in the playoffs. However, their inconsistencies on both sides of the floor have left them looking vulnerable. Depending on how the play-in tournament shakes out, Milwaukee could face a potential first-round exit for the second straight season.

The Bucks rolled the dice when they fired Adrian Griffin midway through his first season with the franchise. Right now, it would appear their gamble is backfiring, and they're running out of time to put things right.

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