The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a stunning 21-point collapse against the Atlanta Hawks, leaving head coach Doc Rivers visibly frustrated as he addressed the media postgame. The 127-120 loss not only highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles but also underscored the growing impact of Khris Middleton’s absence.
Rivers Speaks Out on “Embarrassing” Meltdown
After taking a commanding lead early, the Bucks saw their advantage slip away in the second half, with Atlanta outscoring them 70-45 over the final two quarters. Following the game, Rivers didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance.
“This was embarrassing,” Rivers said bluntly. “We had control, we had momentum, and then we just stopped playing. No excuse for that kind of collapse.”
The Bucks’ defensive breakdowns allowed Atlanta to attack the paint with ease, while offensive stagnation led to a series of costly turnovers. The Hawks capitalized, with Trae Young leading a relentless comeback effort.
Missing Middleton’s Presence
While Rivers acknowledged the need for accountability, he also pointed to the absence of Khris Middleton as a significant factor. The veteran forward, who has been dealing with injury setbacks, is known for his ability to stabilize the offense and provide a go-to option in clutch moments.
“You see it in games like this,” Rivers said regarding Middleton’s absence. “His leadership, his shot-making—it’s something we miss when things start falling apart.”
Without Middleton, Milwaukee struggled to find consistency in their half-court offense, relying heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. While both stars had strong individual performances, the team lacked a steadying force to weather Atlanta’s late-game surge.
Bucks Searching for Answers
The loss drops Milwaukee further behind in the Eastern Conference standings, adding pressure on Rivers to find solutions. With the playoffs approaching, the Bucks will need to address their late-game execution and defensive lapses—whether Middleton returns soon or not.
For Rivers, the message moving forward is clear: “We can’t let this happen again. Championship teams don’t give up 21-point leads.”
The Bucks will look to bounce back in their next matchup, but until then, the sting of this collapse will serve as a painful reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
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