Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers recently got into hot water with his public comments.
He wasn’t talking about another coach or a player but was instead speaking of his own record, saying he doesn’t get enough credit for his playoff success, even though his teams have repeatedly lost after holding 3-1 leads.
Speaking on “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith addressed his many problems with Rivers’ statement.
He said, “In the end, your record is your record,” and challenged Rivers’ viewpoint.
“Doc Rivers is a champion. But champions don’t speak like that,” Smith said.
"Doc Rivers is a champion. But champions don't speak like that." 😳 @stephenasmith reacts to Doc Rivers' comments about losing 3-1 series leads in the NBA playoffs 👀 pic.twitter.com/CwlaV88WoE
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 25, 2025
Smith listed the multiple times that Rivers’ teams have blown 3-1 leads in the playoffs.
It happened with the 2020 and 2015 Los Angeles Clippers and the 2003 Orlando Magic.
Rivers holds the unfortunate distinction of being the only coach in NBA history to blow several 3-1 leads, and Smith won’t let him forget that.
He believes that Rivers is a good coach and definitely does deserve credit for all he has achieved, including his championship with the Boston Celtics.
But Rivers cannot ignore the fact that his teams often fall apart in the postseason.
A lot of people are wondering if that will happen again this year with the Bucks.
They are the fifth seed in the East right now and are certainly looking better than they were at the start of the season, but their history with injuries and Rivers’ past performances in the playoffs have some people nervous.
Rivers has every right to be proud of his career and various accomplishments, but he should expect a lot of pushback when he makes comments like this.
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