The Milwaukee Bucks were looking to close out the first half of the season with a win on Thursday night. However, they had to do so without head coach Doc Rivers.
The Bucks have been rolling of late. After defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-93 on Thursday, they have won five out of their last six games despite not having Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup. The former NBA MVP is still dealing with a calf injury and has missed Milwaukee’s last nine games. At this point, there is still no firm timetable for Antetokounmpo’s return to action.
Advertisement
The Bucks faced a tough test on Thursday night. They played the defending champions, the Thunder, in a road game at Paycom Center.
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers shouts instruction during gameBenny Sieu-Imagn Images
(Benny Sieu-Imagn Images)
Rivers was not be able to coach his team against OKC on Thursday. The 64-year-old is currently not with the team due to a personal matter.
The Bucks took to social media roughly two hours before tip-off to announce the news. Taking Rivers’ spot on the bench against the Thunder was assistant coach Darvin Ham.
“Doc Rivers is attending a funeral and will not be in Oklahoma City for tonight’s game. Darvin Ham will serve as head coach vs. the Thunder,” the team posted on X.
Advertisement
Rivers coached the Bucks on Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic on the road. After the game, the NBA champion coach heaped praise on new recruit Cam Thomas. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard went off for 34 points to lead Milwaukee to a 116-108 victory.
Thursday’s matchup against the Thunder was the Bucks’ last game before the All-Star break. At this point, there is no reason to believe that Rivers will not be back on the bench for their next game. Milwaukee returns to action on Feb. 20 in a road matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Advertisement
The Bucks enter the All-Star break with a 23-30 record. They are 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Related: Warriors-Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Update Is Good News for Draymond Green
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.