Improved defense under coach Doc Rivers has helped the Bucks surge since the All-Star break

Doc Rivers left broadcasting behind when he took over as the Milwaukee Bucks’ coach at midseason, but he remains as talkative as ever. The Bucks have won six straight games and own the NBA’s best defensive rating since the All-Star break. “It’s a lot of talking with Doc,” All-Star guard Damian Lillard said Monday night after the Bucks rallied for a 113-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers without injured two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.