Doc Rivers falls to 1-4 as Bucks coach, after loss to Suns — without Lillard, Lopez and after Middleton sprain
PHOENIX (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks fell to 1-4 since hiring coach Doc Rivers, after a 114-106 loss Tuesday to the Phoenix Suns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds.
The 29-year-old two-time MVP said he believes the team is making progress, particularly on the defensive end.
“We’ve got to keep getting better, keep watching film,” Antetokounmpo said. “Now we have to work twice as hard. If we’re willing to do that we’ll be OK.”
The Bucks played without Damian Lillard, who missed the game with a sprained ankle, and Brook Lopez, who was out for personal reasons. Milwaukee also played most of the night without forward Khris Middleton, who sprained his ankle in the first quarter.
The 32-year-old had six points in the first eight minutes, before the injury. Rivers said X-rays were negative.
Devin Booker scored 32 points, Kevin Durant added 28 and Bradley Beal added 25 points, 10 rebounds.
UP NEXT
Bucks: Host Minnesota on Thursday night.
Suns: Host Utah on Thursday night.
TOP PHOTO: Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, right, talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, in Phoenix. The Suns won 114-106. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)