Nobody is spared being spared for the Milwaukee Bucks’ implosion against the Pacers in Game 5.
Well, maybe except Giannis Antetokounmpo. But coach Doc Rivers is certainly hearing it from fans and analysts after the embarrassing defeat. Among those is NBA analyst Kevin O’Connell, who reposted an old quote of Rivers defending his blown 3-1 leads and applying it to this scenario.
“I don't get enough credit for being up 7 points with 39 seconds left. I only get credit for losing,” O’Connor tweeted.
The Bucks was up seven with 40 seconds left in overtime, seemingly ready to clinch the victory and bring the series back to Milwaukee. In a blink of an eye, Tyrese Haliburton is scoring the game-winner to eliminate the Bucks for the second consecutive postseason.
To be fair, the turnovers weren’t Rivers’ fault. The sloppy passes and ball handling from Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. unraveled what should have been a simple overtime victory.
With that said, though, Rivers’ track record definitely works against him. He’s blown leads constantly in the postseason and hasn’t made it past the second round since 2012. He’s specifically been criticized for his lineup choices with Milwaukee, with many feeling they contributed to the team’s deficit to begin with.
Now, an offseason of uncertainty awaits. Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard could both depart from the Bucks, opening the door for a rebuild less than five years after winning the NBA championship.
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