Doc Rivers, Giannis reflects over ‘tough’ schedule after NBA Cup title win as Bucks got destroyed by the Cavs

Witnessing his team getting blown out as early as the first half, Doc Rivers admitted that he thought of raising the white flag already for the Milwaukee Bucks in their Friday night duel against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The NBA Cup hangover hasnt perished yet, and the Bucks seemingly suffered in what could be a lack of rest from their recent successful tournament run.

I actually contemplated not playing every [starters] in the second half, honestly.

I just thought we were flat, tired, whatever you want to call it, Rivers said in the aftermath of their 124-101 loss.

It was a tough turnaround.

We knew that.

A loss out of exhaustion After they outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder to clinch the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup on Tuesday , the Bucks immediately returned to action.

Running on fumes, they came out miserable from start to finish against the top-seeded Cavaliers in Cleveland.

Already missing the presence of Damian Lillard due to calf strain, Milwaukee had no answers in Clevelands balanced attack.

Giannis Antetokounmpo singlehandedly carried the Bucks with 33 points, but its way too insufficient as the Cavs paraded six players finishing double-digit points led by Donovan Michells 27.

The Cavaliers immediately came out of the gates in the first half, dismantling the Bucks with their red-hot shooting.

They built a 69-51 huge margin at the break and never turned back again to easily seal the win.

I didnt know it, but I could see it, Rivers responded if he expected that the Bucks would play poorly after their hectic schedule upon winning the NBA Cup.

I was hopeful that maybe we could shake it off.

But its a lot.

As you said the games played with a lot of emotion.

You get on the plane, you fly to Milwaukee for less than 24 hours.

Its just a tough one.

No excuses Giannis Antetokounmpo himself called it weird to immediately get back to work with a little rest after winning the NBA Cup, but the Bucks superstar offered no excuses.

Usually when you hold the trophy, thats it.

Youll kind of have an offseason, time to rest, time to be with your family which is weird upon lifting up a trophy and then coming back later.

Like, you cannot really celebrate because of two days, youre playing the best team in the NBA, he said .

Its definitely weird, but it is what it is.

The season continues.

We have more than 50 games in front of us.

I just got to keep on improving and keep on being healthy.

The grinding post-NBA Cup schedule continues for the Bucks as theyll head back home now to face the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..

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