Being right can cost you $25,000, to be precise. Will being precise also cost me? Anyway, the NBA has been slapping fines left, right and center. Some of them justified others not so much. After Doc Rivers publicly criticized the officiating in the Milwaukee Bucks‘ close loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA fined him on Sunday.
During the post-match press conference, Rivers took a dig at Adam Silver’s fine. A reporter was asking Rivers ” The team is 4-1 in the last five” but was cut off by Rivers as he said “5 and 0,“. Everyone in the media room started laughing as they understood what Rivers meant. He believes if the free throws weren’t awarded to Ball, they’d win against the Hornets as well.
via Imago
Rivers added “You were supposed to say that.” and started laughing himself before delivering the final blow “What? They can’t fine me twice“. Looks like Rivers is still salty about the fine and the loss. Why wouldn’t he be? The Bucks were having an awful start and have returned to the ways of winning recently. That wrong decision cost him and the Bucks a valuable win.
While he was taking a shot at Adam Silver, Gilbert Arenas returned the favor.
Former Wizards star lashes out at Doc Rivers
On his podcast, Gils Arena, Gilbert Arenas took aim at Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, criticizing his handling of the team. He speculated that the Bucks’ disappointing 4-9 start could stem from over-coaching, despite their star-studded lineup. He attributed it to over-coaching, as he explained. “Are you literally have to be trying to really coach them? Nah, you know when a motherf****r coach try to coach too much.”
Arenas argued that with players like Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, winning games shouldn’t be this challenging. He suggested their struggles might be linked to overly complicated strategies, as their talent alone should make victories more attainable. His remarks highlight the disconnect between Milwaukee’s potential and their early-season results. “I don’t know if it’s over-coaching, like alone just him (Giannis) and Dame should be able to win you games, right?” He added.
Arenas, an experienced player himself, argued that Milwaukee’s struggles stem from an overly controlled system. He suggested that excessive coaching limits the team’s efficiency on the floor, holding back their true potential.
He expressed frustration with the Bucks’ star-heavy roster failing to shine, criticizing their low output of 70-80 shots per game. Arenas also highlighted that Milwaukee isn’t an inexperienced squad, stressing their elite talent should naturally translate to more victories. His point was clear: over-strategizing may be doing more harm than good.
But for now, it looks like the Bucks have found rhythm. They have won 4 out of their 5 previous matches and are looking good. Khris Middleton could be also making his comeback. So what do you think should Doc Rivers also get the Adrian Griffin treatment?
