Life without Giannis Antetokounmpo is hard and that means one small mistake can be fatal. The Milwaukee Bucks played their first game with the Greek Freak totally out of the line-up. Their fans were expecting to struggle but then they went and surprise everyone when the almost took down the Philadelphia 76ers.
They were able to force an overtime after showing grit but then they were outscored 17-8 in the next five minutes, settling for a 123-114 loss. This is their third straight defeat starting with a beatdown by the Los Angeles Lakers at home when Giannis was healthy.
What happened? People thought it was Doc Rivers’ decision. He decided to have Myles Turner sit down in the last three minutes and picked Bobby Portis instead. Both guys started for the team although statistically, Turner played better with his +16 in efficiency.
Fans were confused by the decision.
Bobby Portis playing in crunch time over Myles Turner pic.twitter.com/Sho7QViWlR
— Besart⚡️ (@LOVEVIS10N) November 21, 2025
Portis is a more mobile shooter than Myles Turner??? Yeah I’m lost man. Docholm Syndrome is dead
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) November 21, 2025
Why would Doc Rivers sub Myles Turner out for Bobby Portis?! Just a brain dead coach leading a brain dead team
— Trevor (@tZuggs) November 21, 2025
Bucks offense to end the fourth and start OT has just been awful. Without Giannis they need to move the ball and rely on screens on and off ball way more. Philly looking like the rested team right now.
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) November 21, 2025
Tyrese Maxey notched his career high 54 points.
Milwaukee Bucks needed a shooter per Doc
The decision was well criticized but according to Rivers, it was out of necessity.
Doc Rivers, on closing the final 3 minutes of overtime with Bobby Portis over Myles Turner:
“We just thought we needed another scorer, another shooter, with movement, where Myles is more stationary. Don’t know if it mattered at that point.”
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 21, 2025
He also commended his guys for their effort and credit the loss to the adjustments they are forced to make because of the situation.
Doc Rivers: “We played hard overall, but our execution at times tonight – and I get it, we have different guys- but some of (the plays), we just have to do it.”
His two examples:
– Had foul to give late, but didn’t.
– Final play supposed to be Rollins ISO, but screeners came up. https://t.co/hy97KT3Wos— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 21, 2025
Portis had 19 points in the game while Turner recorded his first ever double double of the season. Ryan Rollins impressed again with his 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 14 assists.
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