Doc Rivers' Milwaukee Bucks debut did not go as planned as they bowed to their hosts, the Denver Nuggets.
Many jokes were thrown regarding Rivers' first game back since leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, including blowing a huge lead.
Many skeptics believe the Bucks hired someone who "cannot finish."
The Bucks started the game hot, building a 12-point lead and making it hard for their hosts. However, they went cold by the time the third quarter came.
Most Bucks did not read too much into the loss. They move on quickly as they keep their chase of the top spot alive.
General manager Jon Horst trusts Doc Rivers, and he will have a period of adjustment before getting judged.
Here are key takeaways from Doc Rivers' Bucks debut:
1. He could've played the younger guys
Rivers mainly relied on his veterans. Andre Jackson Jr., AJ Green, and Marjon Beauchamp usually get some burn before Rivers, but they did not get called against Denver.
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Among them, Jackson was the one who consistently get minutes as he is effective as an energy guy from the bench. He can run with Giannis Antetokounmpo and provide a defensive spark on the wing.
2. He fixed the Bucks' problematic defense
Poor defense is what got Adrian Griffin fired. They can put the ball on the net, but there's so much they can improve on the other end.
The Nuggets played with all their key players present. They usually score around 120 points per game at home, but they only scored 113 against the Bucks. Their season average is 115.
The Bucks neutralized the Nuggets offense, but their offense suffered.
"Our half-court defense was excellent," Rivers said after the game.
"We fought tonight. I thought tonight was an offensive loss. I didn't think we were crisp offensively. We had stretches where the ball was humming and hopping, and then we had stretches where it didn't. And those stretches we have to clean up. But overall, I was very happy."
3. He is taking it slow
Rivers is unbothered by the loss to the defending champs. He knows the team has to deal with growing pains after key changes were made.
He was often reduced to a spectator as he tried to observe the offensive scheme of the Bucks adopted from the system imposed by fired Griffin and interim coach Joe Prunty.
4. Had a good scheme vs Jokic
Two-time MVP posted his usual triple-double, 25-16-12, but his defenders still get good marks.
Brook Lopez still made it hard for him despite those numbers. The Nuggets star reached the triple-double mark by the third quarter and did not produce that much by the fourth quarter when the Bucks were making a run.
5. The Bucks talent kept them in the game
Rivers inherited a talented roster led by Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The new coach is no stranger to managing teams with so much star power. He's done it with success with the Boston Celtics and managed the very talented Los Angeles Clippers.
There is no need for Bucks fans to feel worried for now. Horst knows what he is doing.
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