Antetokounmpo Responds to Rivers’ Criticism After Heat Win

Published November 9, 2026. Giannis Antetokounmpo responded after Miami’s 114-108 win over Sacramento on Sunday, addressing remarks made by his former coach Doc Rivers. Antetokounmpo led the Heat with 29 points and 14 rebounds, and added two blocks in the team’s fourth win of the season.

Rivers said on a podcast Friday that Antetokounmpo was difficult to coach, attacked the basket in a limited way and needed to improve his execution. He also questioned the player’s basketball IQ. Antetokounmpo said Rivers was no longer his coach and directed questions about the comments back to Rivers, saying he needed to concentrate on helping Miami.

Antetokounmpo also warned athletes not to let bitterness or pettiness distract them from their goals. Rivers coached him in Milwaukee across nearly three seasons, departing the Bucks in April. Milwaukee finished last season 32-50, while Antetokounmpo appeared in 36 games. The Bucks traded him to Miami over the summer.

Miami was 4-6 and ninth in the Eastern Conference after its slow start. The win over Sacramento gives the Heat a chance to build momentum as Antetokounmpo says his attention remains on his current team.