Cole Anthony’s turnover troubles spotlight Bucks’ second unit struggles 3 Nov 7, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the 4th quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Cole Anthony’s turnover troubles spotlight Bucks’ second unit struggles

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 12:12 PM ET

Cole Anthony, who began the season with an impressive hot streak, has cooled off in recent games. In the last three contests, with Giannis Antetokounmpo being out, the guard running the Bucks’ second unit has averaged only 2.3 assists while committing 3.4 turnovers per game, underscoring his struggles managing the offense without the team’s superstar.

The Bucks have relied on every player, yet Anthony’s difficulties managing the offense have been clearly visible.

Anthony’s play has been overly careless. He frequently attempts highlight-reel passes, only for defenders to anticipate them, creating easy scoring chances for opponents. That level of risk cannot continue from the player tasked with running the second unit.

That does not even account for Anthony’s scoring struggles. Over this stretch, he is averaging just 6.8 points while converting 38.7 percent of his shots, including a dismal 10 percent from three-point range. His turnovers match his assists, and when he does attempt a shot, it rarely finds the mark.

Doc Rivers still trusts Cole Anthony

Despite Anthony’s recent struggles, Doc Rivers emphasized after the guard’s 0-for-7 outing against the Miami Heat that he still trusts him.

“He’s struggling right now and we have to do something to help him. He’s turning the ball over and taking some really rough shots for us. We just gotta keep coaching him. The kid can play. We gotta keep believing in him. He gets down on himself, probably too much, which leads to the next error. So, we gotta find the right happy medium to get him to be able to play through mistakes,” remarked the Bucks head coach.

Doc Rivers faces urgent point guard dilemma for the Bucks 5 Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony (50) dribbles during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

To stay in the rotation, the Milwaukee Bucks will need Cole Anthony to elevate his game. He must find a way to break out of this slump.

If Anthony cannot turn things around, the Bucks have a ready option when Kevin Porter Jr. returns from meniscus surgery. Porter can step in and absorb significant minutes at the point guard spot. For now, Anthony has the next few games to prove he belongs in the rotation.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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