Doc Rivers, who led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, often faces criticism for his performance in the playoffs.
Many fans recall the times his teams lost important games after having a significant lead, which makes them doubt his leadership during crucial playoff moments.
Despite this, as the next big stage of the league begins, Rivers feels confident and doesn’t see himself through this negative lens.
During an interview, Rivers expressed that he believes most critics are not being fair to him.
He pointed out that, unlike many other coaches, his teams tend to meet or exceed expectations and usually don’t disappoint people.
“I think the stories about me are not true, and to tell you the truth, I’m fine with that. But of course I feel like I’m being unfairly treated,” Rivers said.
“No one talks about the three victories I had before everything happened. I only get credit when I lose,” Rivers added.
A positive aspect of the coach’s role is that Rivers consistently puts in his best effort, regardless of which series he is involved in.
The coach highlights that Rivers has never experienced a series where he lost every game.
“Of course you don’t want to lose series the way I did. To be almost there and then have it all turn around is terrible.” Rivers said.
“But would it have been better if when I was with the Los Angeles Clippers, I had lost that series to the Houston Rockets in six? I don’t think anyone cares.
“At the end of the day, one of the things I’m most proud of is never having been swept. Every coach has been swept in the playoffs, but not me.” he added.
Rivers has a really interesting track record in the NBA playoffs. He’s never lost a playoff series without winning at least one game.
Take the 2019 first-round series, when his Los Angeles Clippers faced the strong Golden State Warriors.
While the Clippers were not favored to win, Rivers managed to push the series to six games, even though the Warriors had previously won the championship twice.
Rivers also became an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics the very first time he made it past the first round of the playoffs.
