© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Doc Rivers lauds the Milwaukee Bucks' ball movement down the stretch in the big win against the Los Angeles Clippers
Down by as many as 15 points in the second half, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers knew he had to make changes on both ends to stymie a Los Angeles Clippers squad that was clicking on all cylinders. The Bucks made those adjustments, and they paid off big time, as they snatched a 113-106 win. Rivers gave credit where it was due, praising the Bucks' ball movement down the stretch as one of the critical factors in their comeback victory.
Sharp offensive execution in crunch time
Things could have easily unfolded for the Bucks, given they were without All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. However, Milwaukee refused to let go of the rope as the five—Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Pat Beverley, and sophomore guard AJ Green—closed the Clippers out with quick decision-making and sharp passing.
"I thought, our execution offensively was unbelievable down the stretch. We got the ball to the guys that we wanted to get the ball. When they trapped, we moved the ball. We kept the game simple," Rivers said after the game.
Six straight defensive stops
Rivers also employed a zone defense in the second half—a tactic that flummoxed the Clippers. Using this defensive strategy, Milwaukee came up with six straight stops that keyed their 15-0 fourth-quarter run, which paved the way for their victory.
"We went zone a lot in the second half. We switched everything," Rivers revealed.
"Honestly, it's a make-or-miss league as well. They missed some shots they normally make. Maybe their timing was off because of the zone. I thought it did help, for sure."
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue admitted his squad didn't handle the Bucks' zone defense well, settling for jumpers rather than slashing through the shaded lane.
"When they went to that zone, I think we got a little jump shot-happy rather than keep attacking the basket and getting into the paint," Lue said.
"I think we were in the bonus pretty early in the fourth quarter. They did a good job of going to the zone, and then we didn't handle it well."
