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

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Doc Rivers left broadcasting behind when he took over as the Milwaukee Bucks’ coach at midseason, but he remains as talkative as ever.

That chattiness has helped the Bucks dramatically improve their defense since his arrival in late January. 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. “Sometimes we get on the court and we’re supposed to be starting practice, and Doc will talk for 15 minutes straight.”

Lillard detailed the way Rivers will tell players about their responsibilities in certain situations while explaining how their roles fit into the overall defensive scheme.