Bucks forge new identity as Doc Rivers rejects Pacers comparisons

The Pacers shocked the league last season by storming to the NBA Finals and coming just one victory away from claiming the franchise’s first title. In the past two years, they have won five playoff series and reached consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.

Their fast-paced, team-oriented offense built on quick ball movement and relentless player activity has turned into a blueprint for others to follow. The Milwaukee Bucks, better than most, have felt the full impact of that approach.

The Bucks and the Pacers with the same blueprint?

The Pacers have knocked its Central Division rivals out of the playoffs in each of the last two postseasons.

“We’re going to play at our pace, but we’re going to do things quicker. We are changing because I think that’s how we have to play. But if we were a slow, big team, I wouldn’t try to play like that. I just think you’ve got to be the best version of yourself to win. I think teams make a mistake when they try to be someone else,” Rivers continued.

Some may point to general manager Jon Horst’s offseason moves as the reason for the shift, but Rivers insisted he had already believed the Bucks needed a new identity while they were finishing last season.

“I felt strongly that it’s hard to win with the way we were gonna play, at the pace that we were trying to play at. And you could see that early, as far as the way that we play. We still won games, and we were good, but I just felt strongly (that), to take that next step, we need more speed,” Doc Rivers added.

Milwaukee wrapped up last season with a 48-34 record, but injuries and uneven play cut short their hopes of a longer playoff push. Now in his second year as head coach, Rivers is using training camp to fast-track changes and shape a new identity centered on pace, versatility, and defensive adaptability.