Bucks Lose 113-110 Against Memphis Grizzlies
The Milwaukee Bucks faced their seventh defeat in 10 games since the arrival of new head coach Doc Rivers. The team lost 113-110 on the road against the struggling Memphis Grizzlies. Rivers, who joined the Bucks in January, replaced Adrian Griffin on the sideline.
Surprising Firing of Adrian Griffin
The firing of Adrian Griffin came as a surprise as the Bucks had an impressive 30-13 record at the time of his departure, which was tied for second-best in the league.
Miscommunication on the Final Play
During the game, there was a miscommunication on the final play. The Bucks had managed to reduce a nine-point deficit to just three with less than a minute remaining. However, a misstep by Bucks center Brook Lopez unintentionally blocked the path of All-Star Damian Lillard. This led to a loose ball and a missed last-second attempt by Lillard, resulting in a narrow victory for the Grizzlies.
Coach Rivers Dissatisfied with Team’s Effort
Coach Rivers expressed his dissatisfaction with his team’s effort, particularly stating that some players seemed to have one eye on the upcoming All-Star break. “We had some guys here and some guys in Cabo,” Rivers told reporters after the game.
Despite Struggles, Bucks Remain Third in Eastern Conference
Despite their recent struggles, the Bucks remain in a respectable third place in the Eastern Conference. The team boasts two 2024 All-Star starters, Damian Lillard and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Shorthanded Grizzlies Defy Odds
The Memphis Grizzlies approached the game with a shorthanded lineup, with 10 players on their injury report, including standout players Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, this did not deter the Grizzlies, as Ziaire Williams and rookie GG Jackson II stepped up and scored 27 points each. Williams expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “It’s good to see. One man falls down, and another one steps up. We’re having fun through it all, can’t ask for more.”
Antetokounmpo Shines in Defeat
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with an impressive 35 points and 12 assists. Lillard also contributed 24 points. Despite their efforts, the Bucks were left frustrated by the shorthanded Grizzlies’ ability to gain the upper hand.
Bucks’ Season Standing and Grizzlies’ Resilience
The Milwaukee Bucks currently hold a 35-21 season record, with a gap of 8.5 games behind the first-seeded Boston Celtics. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies have improved to 20-36 and currently rank 13th in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies faced significant challenges this season, particularly after Ja Morant was ruled out with an injury.