{
  "id": 19177012,
  "title": "Giannis Antetokounmpo says he's 'speechless' over criticism from former coach Doc Rivers: 'That's insane'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/giannis-antetokounmpo-says-hes-speechless-over-criticism-from-former",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-09T16:17:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/giannis-antetokounmpo-says-hes-speechless-over-criticism-from-former-coach-doc-rivers-thats-insane-161755080.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Miami Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed astonishment at remarks made by his former Milwaukee Bucks coach, Doc Rivers, who stated that Antetokounmpo desired to leave the team but refrained from requesting a trade to maintain his reputation as the \"good guy.\" Rivers further criticized Antetokounmpo, suggesting he \"doesn't necessarily have this super IQ\" and operates with a single-minded approach of \"downhill, force, force.\" Antetokounmpo, who was initially \"speechless\" upon hearing Rivers' comments, later emphasized that Rivers is not his current coach and advised him to explain his rationale. Antetokounmpo urged everyone to disregard bitterness and pettiness, stating that such emotions are \"insane.\" The Heat coach, Erik Spoelstra, chose not to engage with the controversy, expressing respect for Rivers. The Bucks and Antetokounmpo parted ways after two-and-a-half years, during which the Bucks made the playoffs twice but were eliminated in the first round each time. Antetokounmpo's performance under Rivers was particularly impressive, as he averaged 30.4 points per game in their first two seasons together.",
  "summary": "Giannis Antetokounmpo eventually mentioned \"bitterness and pettiness\" when discussing Doc Rivers' comments.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Giannis Antetokounmpo Fires Back at Doc Rivers Criticism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/giannis-antetokounmpo-fires-back-at-doc-rivers-criticism",
        "published": "2026-11-09T16:03:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}