NBA legend and TNT sports analyst Charles Barkley expressed his disappointment with Doc Rivers as the new coach of the Milwaukee Bucks during a national TV broadcast while the Bucks played the Memphis Grizzlies on the road last night. During a segment on Inside the NBA, ‘Sir Charles’ aka “the Round Mound of Rebound” vented his frustration towards coach Rivers as the Bucks continued to struggle, despite boasting two All-Stars on the team, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
After Adrian Griffin, who intriguingly led the team to a 30-13 record in his debut year as the Bucks’ coach, was dismissed by the team, Doc Rivers assumed the role. Under Rivers, the team has stumbled to a 3-7. Charles Barkley emphasized during his argument that Milwaukee, under Rivers, appears to lack a strategic approach and relies solely on raw talent, a factor that, in his view, falls short of expectations.
He said:
Memphis play really, really hard. The Bucks win games on talent. That’s why they lose so many games and leads. They strictly play on talent. They have like no strategy.
Despite the absence of key players due to injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a narrow 113-110 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, marking their seventh defeat in 10 games under their new coach. Despite facing an undermanned opponent, the Bucks were unable to assert their dominance in the game.
Charles Barkley: “Memphis play really, really hard… The Bucks win games on talent. That’s why they lose so many games and leads. They have like no strategy.” pic.twitter.com/jIEYWLJ2uN
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 16, 2024
Coach Doc Rivers disappointed with team following disappointing loss to Memphis Grizzlies
In a matchup against a shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies team in the second half of a back-to-back, the Bucks were outworked and outplayed, resulting in a harsh 113-110 defeat. This loss brings their record to 3-7 since Rivers replaced Griffin and leaves them with a 35-21 record heading into the All-Star break.
Doc Rivers (via Sports Illustrated)After the game, Rivers strongly criticized his team, specifically focusing on their lack of discipline and effort. He said:
First play of the game, we gamble for the 50th time in the corner. Guy drives, we have to help, leads to a 3. On our set, two guys forget what we’re running. Then we missed a shot and nobody gets back. That’s how we start out the third quarter. That tells you all you need to know about where our heads were.
The Bucks have the advantage of eight days to rest and regroup, but Rivers will have to dedicate part of that time to coaching the Eastern Conference All-Star team, a testament to the Bucks’ success under Griffin. With a peculiar season unfolding for the Bucks, they’ll face a tough challenge resuming play on February 23, with an away game against the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves.
