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Doc Rivers calls the Milwaukee Bucks defensive effort against the Philadelphia 76ers the ‘best of the year’

The Bucks’ defense is shaping up.
Jonas Panerio|
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Milwaukee Bucks

Has Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers finally found the right buttons to push to improve the team's defense? The veteran coach has done that, as evidenced by the Bucks' incredible effort on the defensive end in their 119-97 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. In fact, Rivers was so impressed by his team's attentiveness to detail and overall defensive execution that he declared it the "best of the year" for Milwaukee.

Held the Sixers to below 100 points

Although the Sixers played without reigning league MVP Joel Embiid, the Bucks' defensive performance cannot be overlooked. They held Philadelphia to only 97 points on 37 percent shooting. It also marked the third time in the Bucks' last six games they've held an opponent below 100 points. In contrast, the Bucks achieved that feat only once, when Adrian Griffin handled them for the first 43 games.

Despite not having Embiid, Philadelphia still had All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who could create havoc in pick-and-roll situations. However, Milwaukee had a suitable counter, using a switch-heavy defensive scheme.

"Best of the year," Rivers said, referring to Milwaukee's switching scheme.

"Because of all the teams, the way (the 76ers) play with the dribble handoffs and the weaves, I was really concerned about our switching. That's what we've been really working on. And it was physical. Like, we don't have foot speed, but we have power and length, and we got our hands on them. That's how we have to play defense."

Communication was on point

Communication plays a vital role in good defense. From calling out picks to rotations, effective communication can make or break a defensive possession. In the Bucks' game against the 76ers, their communication was on point. The players were constantly talking and calling out switches, making it difficult for the 76ers to execute their plays.

"I think our communication and our physicality really helped us deal with (their offense). We didn't get caught sleeping. We weren't relaxed. We were into their bodies and just played with a lot of physicality. And we were disruptive. And them going from spot to spot, we didn't just let it happen, so I think that allowed us to defend it well," Lillard commented.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO