© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Doc Rivers asks the Milwaukee Bucks fandom to be more patient after loss in Denver
The Milwaukee Bucks faltered in their first game under new coach Doc Rivers, losing to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, 107-113.
The loss highlighted Milwaukee's need to adjust under Rivers, and the veteran coach admitted that it will take time before the Bucks will be able to get a full grasp of the system that he will enforce. With this, Rivers wants the Bucks to be more patient, as success will not happen overnight.
"What I'm trying to do really slowly is put in some of my stuff and simplify some of their stuff. One thing you don't want to do, and we're so fearful of doing it, is paralyzing their brain, and now they're thinking it. So it's just going to take a while," said Rivers.
Giannis shares the sentiment
The Bucks started hot and raced to an early 13-point lead. The complexion of the game completely changed when Milwaukee was held scoreless for almost five minutes and allowed Denver to close within 25-26 at the end of the first quarter.
The Bucks ended up suffering their 15th loss in the season, but some key Milwaukee players were pleased with how Rivers called the shots.
"He was great," said Antetokounmpo as he agreed that the Bucks have to be patient now that they are under a new coach.
"Everybody has to have patience. It's new -- the way we play, the way we defend, it's going to take a while to get used to. We're slowly, slowly adjusting, changing a couple stuff. Coaching staff got to have patience with the players. Players got to have patience with the coaching staff, but I feel like for the first game, it was good," Giannis said.
Big man likes the calmness
Rivers has been coaching in the league for more than two decades and his vast experience showed in his first game with the Bucks, Brook Lopez said.
"I thought there was just a great sense of composure, calmness. Nothing too high or too low. I mean that in the best way possible. He handled everything great. He did a good job making sure everyone was clear on their responsibility, what to do defensively, what to do offensively, and there weren't any real hiccups," Lopez said.
