Two steps forward, one step back. That’s been the Milwaukee Bucks’ theme under Doc Rivers, who took over as head coach on Jan. 29.
The Bucks look to head into the All-Star break on a high note when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Memphis snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 121-113 home victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
The Bucks fell to 3-6 under Rivers on Tuesday, when the visiting Miami Heat led wire to wire in a dominant 123-97 victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the lone bright spot in the loss, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Miami led by as much as 31 points and shot 19 of 40 (47.5 percent) from 3-point range.
After allowing fewer than 100 points in back-to-back games for the first time all season, Milwaukee struggled to slow down the Heat.
Milwaukee has lost its last three meetings against Memphis, which is concluding a stretch of three home games in four nights.
GG Jackson scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Grizzlies past Houston on Wednesday. Memphis’ Luke Kennard added 19 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. had 18.
Jaren Jackson has scored 18 points or more in each of his past nine games for the injury-plagued Grizzlies, who remain positive despite owning a 6-20 home record this season.
Goodwin started the season with the Phoenix Suns, then was traded last week to the Brooklyn Nets, who subsequently waived him.
GG Jackson returned on Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension for violating team rules. The rookie forward has scored 20 points or more in two of his past three games.
Memphis also received a spark from forward Ziaire Williams, who returned to score five points after missing eight games with a bone contusion in his left hand.
The Grizzlies led the Rockets by as many as 23 points in the second quarter before holding on for the victory. Memphis outscored Houston 37-32 in the fourth quarter.
