Bucks head coach Doc Rivers unleashed a scathing criticism of Knicks forward OG Anunoby. Rivers not only blasted Anunoby’s physical play but also called on the NBA to take swift action against him.
The flashpoint occurred in the third quarter when Anunoby was involved in a heated battle for a rebound with Kuzma. As both players scrambled for possession, kuzma hit the floor hard, sparking an animated reaction from the Bucks’ bench. The referees reviewed the play but ultimately ruled it a common, a decision that left Rivers furious.
“That was a reckless play,” Rivers fumed in his postgame press conference. “There’s a difference between playing tough and playing dirty. OG Anunoby crossed the line, and the fact that it wasn’t even upgraded to a flagrant is ridiculous. The league needs to look at this and take action.”
While Rivers was adamant that Anunoby’s play warranted further discipline, Knicks fans weren’t having it. Social media exploded with backlash, with many accusing Rivers of deflecting from his team’s poor performance.
“This is classic whining from Doc Rivers,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The Knicks outplayed the Bucks, and now he’s trying to make excuses.”
Another Knicks supporter added, “If kuzma did the same thing, nobody would be calling for a suspension. This is just playoff basketball.”
Despite the outcry from Knicks fans, Rivers remained firm in his stance that Anunoby’s actions deserved closer scrutiny.
Bucks Struggle Against Lockdown Knicks Defense
Beyond the controversy, the game itself was a battle of defensive intensity and offensive execution. The Knicks stifled Milwaukee’s perimeter shooters, holding the Bucks to just 31% from three-point range.
Giannis Antetokounmpo put up a valiant effort with 30 points and 12 rebounds, but the Bucks struggled to find offensive rhythm. Kuzma, who was at the center of the game’s most contentious moment, finished with 18 points but shot just 6-for-16 from the field.
“We have to be better,” rivers admitted postgame. “It was a physical game, and we didn’t execute the way we needed to.”
Will the NBA Step In?
As of now, the NBA has not commented on the incident, though Rivers’ strong words may push the league to at least review the play. However, many analysts believe Anunoby won’t face any discipline, as the officials already reviewed the incident in-game and determined it wasn’t excessive.
Former NBA referee weighed in on ESPN’s postgame coverage, saying, “It looked like a hard basketball play to me. Anunoby was being aggressive, but there was no intent to harm. I don’t see the NBA stepping in on this one.”
A Rivalry Heating Up
With the Knicks and Bucks both competing for top spots in the Eastern Conference, this game only intensified an already brewing rivalry. The two teams are set to meet again in a few weeks, and that matchup is sure to carry extra emotion following Rivers’ postgame comments.
For New York, this win was another step forward as they continue their push for home-court advantage in the playoffs. Anunoby, despite the controversy, played a crucial role in the Knicks’ defensive success, and he is unlikely to change his style of play.
As for the Bucks, they will need to shake off this loss and stay focused on their playoff push. With Rivers at the helm, Milwaukee will undoubtedly be looking for payback the next time these two teams square off.
