The Milwaukee Bucks faced an extremely difficult opponent in the Golden State Warriors, a team fresh off a devastating defeat to the Boston Celtics. The Bucks, who were behind 20 points at halftime, 78-58, made a number of smart changes in the third quarter, which paid off as they closed the gap to just six, 83-77, with 5:33 remaining.

The Bucks’ comeback, according to head coach Doc Rivers, was a result of their selfless ball movement, which led to easy baskets and gave them plenty of time to set up their defensive coverage.

Perfect ball motion

Rivers observed that the team’s quick passes and decision-making in the first seven minutes of the third quarter mirrored the tactics they employed to win their previous six games in a row.

The Warriors were being pursued by the Bucks.. But Rivers also said that the Bucks paid a heavy price for reverting to their old ways, as the Warriors extended their lead to double figures and held Milwaukee off in the fourth quarter, just as they were starting to gather momentum.