“Wanted to take him out”: Doc Rivers blames injury for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s off night in embarrassing loss to Memphis

Despite their disappointing loss to the Washington Wizards the day before, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks suffered another embarrassing defeat on Wednesday night, this time against the injury-plagued and short-handed Memphis Grizzlies.

After the game, reporters asked Doc Rivers, who has a record of 15-15 since becoming the Bucks’ head coach, about their loss. Rivers believed that he should have subbed out Antetokounmpo earlier in the game. It was evident that the two-time MVP was struggling with an injury, as he only shot 10-for-23 from the field.

“I thought Giannis did everything he could,”Rivers said. “Honestly, and I’m not kidding, there were times in the beginning of the third, I talked to Scott (Faust) three different times. I wanted to take him out of the game. I thought he was running on fumes. As a coach, you gotta make a judgment call sometimes and medical makes the call more.”

Additionally, he stated:

“They kept saying he was OK, but I have eyes. And I just didn’t like the way he was moving and that was why I took him out the one time early (in the third quarter). He kept asking to go back in and trainers said he was fine, so we kind of stuck there. But I wish I would have just said no, honestly.”

Despite suffering from left hamstring tendinopathy, Giannis Antetokounmpo persisted in playing through the discomfort. Throughout the game, Antetokounmpo experienced pain, leading some fans to believe that he should have taken a break and rested.

Despite the injury, “The Greek Freak”believed it was necessary for him to play as it would benefit him in the long term. By pushing through the adversity, he hoped to strengthen himself for their potential championship pursuit.

The Future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a day off before the Milwaukee Bucks return to the court on Friday. The Bucks will continue their five-game homestand by hosting the struggling Toronto Raptors, who have suffered 15 consecutive losses. They will also go up against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic.

As Giannis and the Bucks only have six games remaining on their schedule, this is a crucial stretch for them. It is their priority to secure the No. 2 spot, ahead of teams like the Cavs and Magic, and behind the Celtics. In order to have a strong start in the playoffs, they will need to maintain their momentum.

Despite Doc Rivers’ less than stellar record since becoming the Bucks’ coach, some fans may see it as an ominous sign. Nevertheless, Rivers’ impressive background gives him the potential to guide Milwaukee, especially with star players like Giannis, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton on his team.