Bucks Zone

Khris Middleton on the Milwaukee Bucks’ dynamic as they and Doc Rivers get to know one another

"It's a collaborative, group effort right now trying to get on the same page as quick as we can."
Jonas Panerio|
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks' recent coaching change has done little to add wins to their record, as they have gone 1-4 under the tutelage of new coach Doc Rivers. However, the Bucks aren't hitting the panic button as they understand the precarious situation they are in, having to learn new wrinkles to their system and build chemistry with their coach in the middle of the season.

Constant communication

Doc officially took over the team at the start of a five-game road trip out west. With the Bucks playing in five cities in a week, they have not had the luxury of numerous practices, making do with shootarounds and film sessions to get on the same page with their new coach. As a result, communication has been key for the team to understand and execute Rivers' game plan.

"Just us talking to him about what plays we like to run for the majority of time during practices," Middleton said. "Then, in games, we kind of know at certain times what we want to run, and we'll go to Doc about the play we want to run."

"Sometimes we run it, sometimes we don't, but it's a conversation at this point because he's trying to learn our terminology, what we like to call, plays, and actions that we like to run. But he's also trying to figure out how to take us to the next level. So it's a collaborative, group effort right now trying to get on the same page as quick as we can."

Noticeable improvements

Even though the wins have been hard to come by lately, a closer look at the numbers has shown a shift in the Bucks' approach. Whereas Milwaukee was near the bottom of the league in defensive rating under previous coach Adrian Griffin, the Bucks are ranked 10th, giving up 113.9 points per 100 possessions in the seven games since the coaching change.

With so many things to process and execute in just a short time, it may be part of the reason why the Bucks have played like they have lead shoes on, at times lacking energy and focus. However, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo believes that when the time comes they settle down, the league better watch out.

"There's so many things that we're doing right now that we are getting better. And the moment everything clicks, and our legs are there, and our minds are there, and guys are healthy, and everybody is locked in, I think it's going to go very well," Giannis shared.

Doc Rivers says the five-game road trip 'was brutal' for the Milwaukee Bucks

Published
Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO