"Needed him to be Magic Johnson": Doc Rivers credits Giannis Antetokounmpo for doing everything asked of him in Game 5

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers gave Giannis Antetokounmpo credit for his efforts in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

The two-time NBA MVP registered a 33-point triple-double, but his efforts were in vain as Tyrese Haliburton's clutch game-winner helped the Indiana Pacers to a 4-1 series win.

Speaking to reporters after the first-round exit, Rivers said he was impressed by Antetokounmpo's performance despite the defeat.

"Before the game, I told him I needed him to be Magic Johnson in transition. He did that. He was facilitating. At halftime I said we need you to be Giannis and Magic. To me, it's one of the best games I have seen him play."

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Giannis Antetokounmpo ended with 33 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists to keep Milwaukee in the hunt. He received support from Gary Trent Jr. who propped up 33 points. However, they were unable to stave off a third consecutive first-round exit.

Giannis Antetokounmpo talks about his confrontation with John Haliburton after tense Game 5

One of the biggest talking points after the game was Giannis Antetokounmpo's heated exchange with Tyrese Haliburton's father. Speaking to reporters after the loss, the forward shared his two cents on the incident.

"I believe (in) being humble in victory. That's the way I am. Now, there can be a lot of people out there that are like, no when you win the game you got to talk (stuff) and it's a green light for you to be disrespectful toward somebody else."

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks last won the NBA title in 2021, which marked their first in 50 years. However, they have been unable to replicate the same level of success since. They lost in the second round in 2022 and have exited in the first round in the last three years.

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