Report: Bucks' Portis challenges Griffin, teammates after loss to Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks veteran Bobby Portis "passionately challenged" head coach Adrian Griffin and his teammates following Thursday's In-Season Tournament semifinal defeat to the Indiana Pacers, sources told Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes.

Portis reportedly stressed to Griffin the importance of a structured offense down the stretch. The first-year bench boss welcomed the criticism, recognizing that his play-calling could've been more aggressive, Haynes adds.

While Portis reportedly sought more direction from Griffin, the big man acknowledged it's up to him and his teammates to execute.

Milwaukee fell 128-119 to Indiana after being outscored by 12 in the fourth quarter. The Bucks shot just 36% from the field, including 2-of-11 from deep, over the last 12 minutes. They also committed five of their 12 turnovers in the final frame, which led to seven points for the Pacers.

Despite Thursday's performance, Griffin's squad has been one of the better fourth-quarter units in the Association. Only the Pacers are averaging more points in the closing frame. Milwaukee's offensive efficiency (125 points per 100 possessions) in clutch situations is the NBA's third-best mark.

The Bucks sit second in the East with a 15-7 record. They return to action Monday against the Chicago Bulls.