Doc Rivers takes blame for Bucks' 1-4 start: It's on me 'until we get it right' | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 28: Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks signals during the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on October 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Brian Fluharty/Getty Images

Taking responsibility for the team’s 1-4 start, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said the following following the team’s 122-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.

Erik Nehm @eric_nehm

Doc Rivers: “The defensive transition was still terrible tonight and that’s on me. Everything is on me until we get it right. We have to fix this.”

The Bucks have allowed 122.25 points per game during their losing streak. All four losses were by double digits.

On Thursday, Memphis shot 52.4 percent from the field and led by as many as 31 points. The Grizzlies also scored 40 points in the first quarter and defeated the Bucks 56-38.

Rivers took over as head coach of the Bucks early in the second half of their 2023-24 season following the firing of head coach Adrian Griffin. Milwaukee has since gone 20-27 under Rivers (including playoffs).

The Bucks’ defensive efforts were particularly concerning. As of Thursday, Milwaukee ranked 24th in defensive rating, per Basketball reference. Other statistics and the tape also tell the story.

Esfandiar Baraheni @JustEsBaraheni

So far, the Bucks have the:
– 2nd worst transition defense
– 3rd worst transition violation
– kill last in drives per game
– kill last in passes
None of this is indicative of a team built around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie

Break down the Bucks’ defensive woes earlier this week with tape for 30 minutes after their games against Chicago and Brooklyn.
These thoughts remain accurate. https://t.co/kxcBpFiLI8

Milwaukee specifically allowed a lot of open shots to Memphis, especially in transition. The Bucks also saw Ja Morant, who had a triple double, provide an assist while he was on the court.

Fans are obviously pessimistic about this team’s prospects.

Johnny Rizzo @jonspicks

The Bucks are run out of the gym by a depleted Grizzlies team. This defense is beyond bad. I think it will be about a month before Giannis asks Milwaukee out. They’re not going anywhere incredibly fast.

Anthony Berk @AnthonyEBirch

I don’t even know how you fix this Bucks team. But it starts with the defense.

Brandon LIBERTY WNBA CHAMPS @GPIsCooked

Is it just me or are the Bucks even worse on defense than last year

K.D @KG1BS0N

The Bucks defense is Swiss cheese….

The good news? This season is five games old and the Bucks still have two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time superstar, on board.

The bad news? The Bucks look like one of the NBA’s worst teams right now, and the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers are next for a two-game home-and-home set.

Game 1 will be played Saturday in Milwaukee.