Doc Rivers Drama: Bucks Coach Encouraged to Draw Inspiration From James Harden After Getting Hammered Publicly

The Milwaukee Bucks have massively underperformed this season. Before the start of the season, fans of the Bucks had lofty expectations of an NBA title. However, they currently languish in 3rd place of the Eastern Conference standings, with 35 wins from 56 games. A lackluster defense has proven to be their Achilles heel, and because of their subpar defensive showings, the Bucks hierarchy decided to fire Adrian Griffin from the head coaching role.

Experienced coach Doc Rivers has assumed the role. However, things haven’t improved under Doc. In fact, the Bucks have suffered losses in 7 out of their last 10 games under Rivers’ leadership. This subpar form has attracted criticism from fans and media, with JJ Redick urging Doc to “stop making excuses” and “take accountability” for Milwaukee’s subpar form.

However, new recruit Patrick Beverley has come to the defense of his coach amid rising criticism. During a conversation on the latest episode of the PatBev podcast, Beverly drew parallels between the Los Angeles Clippers’ shaky start to the season and Milwaukee’s recent form. He said, “These are the same people that said the Clippers will be awful. It took them 12 games, 15 games to kind of get it going… It takes time. Why are we making assumptions and being so critical now?”

Pat Bev has hit the nail on the head. Teams with new players or coaches take time to settle and adjust to change. One of the in-form teams in the league now, the Los Angeles Clippers, began the James Harden era with a 0-5 record. But can the Bucks replicate the Clippers’ resurgence?

Will the Milwaukee Bucks bounce back from their current slump in form?

The Doc Rivers era has gotten off to a shaky start in Milwaukee. During his tenure, the Bucks have already lost to unfancied teams like the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and the Memphis Grizzlies. Such results aren’t a good look for a team who have ambitions of the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.

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Despite possessing the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, the Bucks have struggled defensively this season. They currently possess the 14th worst defense in the league, with a defensive rating of 116.6. The offseason loss of Jrue Holiday has had a more significant impact than previously expected. With the season at a crucial juncture, Doc Rivers must improve Milwaukee’s lackluster defense if the Bucks aspire to win the championship at the end of the season. Can the Bucks win the 2024 NBA title? Let us know in the comments below!