Bucks lose to Knicks: Doc Rivers's blunders allowed his opponents to play very smoothly.

After scoring from Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a humiliating 98-127 home defeat to the New York Knicks in another NBA regular season game of the 2025/26 season. Head coach Doc Rivers stated that his team failed to execute their plan effectively and made numerous basic errors that allowed the Knicks to score.

According to the data, Myles Turner scored 19 points and had two assists for the Milwaukee Bucks in this game, Kyle Kuzma scored 17 points and had two assists, and Bobby Portis contributed 14 points.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said in an interview, "Frankly, I don't think we played with the presence we should have in this game. We kept the score close in the first quarter, but we made some mistakes, and those basic mistakes made our opponents play very well. Jalen Brunson got into his rhythm, and we made a lot of mistakes in executing our game plan, which allowed them to capitalize on those opportunities."

“We knew before the game that they had two days of rest. They were taught a lesson by the Cleveland Cavaliers, that’s their own account, not mine. We also knew they would bring physicality to this game, we had discussed that beforehand, and I repeatedly emphasized that this game would be played at a higher intensity, but I don’t think we matched their physicality and intensity.”

Doc Rivers pointed out, "We're willing to let some of their players attack, we have no problem with that. But I feel like they can get whatever they want. Let alone three-pointers, they can drive and shoot whenever they want. When they get into fast breaks and start hitting consecutive shots, we at least start forcing shots, but I think we're handling the ball too much."

"Based on the data analysis, as we discussed before the game, the New York Knicks are excellent at defending ball-handling, but if they pass the ball more, attack the weak side, and create opportunities through continuous movement, their defense is not as good."

In addition, Doc Rivers said, "We did the right thing in the first quarter and a half, but then we stalled and the pace slowed down. We knew Anthony Towns would guard Myles Turner, and we needed to get inside, which we did, and Myles Turner capitalized on the opportunity."

"Kyle Kuzma made those shots. Although I don't really like those early three-pointers, I like the opportunities in the corners, and I hope he continues to shoot like that."

Image source: Internet