Monday’s showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets went down the wire. It was exactly the type of game fans were expecting between two of the top teams in the NBA.

In the end, however, one team had to come out on top. This turned out to be the Nuggets as they defended their home court against a formidable challenge by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co., 113-107.

Doc Rivers Admits Milwaukee Bucks Had to Change Tactics Vs. Nuggets

Monday’s contest was an important one for the Bucks because it was the first game new head coach Doc Rivers was in charge. Rivers and his squad came into this matchup with a game plan in mind as they made the necessary preparations against the defending champs.

Unfortunately, one particular misstep from Giannis in the fourth quarter forced Rivers to switch his tactics up late in the game.

“(It) hurt us when [Antetokounmpo] picked that fourth foul up because we were about to go to him guarding (Jokić),” Rivers said, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “We were going to go small, Giannis the only big. Jоker would have to guard him in transition, but then he picks up his fourth foul. So, sometimes you have plans, and they don’t work.”

In a crucial moment, Rivers intended to play some small-ball with Giannis at the five, as he disclosed in his post-game news conference. With just under eight minutes left in the last quarter, Antetokounmpo committed his fourth foul, which completely derailed his plan.

In the оffensive and transitional domains, Rivers sought to take advantage of Giannis’ matchup with Nikola Jokic; however, the Bucks were unable to do so since Antetokounmpo fouled out even before the fourth session reached halfway.

Coach Doc was forced to use his backup plan, which ultimately helped the Nuggets defeat the Bucks and make a statement.