Doc Rivers

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Lore & Background

Rivers' path to the title was paved with intense scrutiny and historic moments. In January 2008, after a 109–93 victory over the New York Knicks, he earned the honor of coaching the East in the All-Star Game due to the Celtics holding the best winning percentage in the conference. The road to the championship required an NBA-record 26 postseason games. On June 17, 2008, Rivers secured his first and only title as a head coach by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Notably, during his playing career with the New York Knicks in 1994, he had been part of a team that played 25 postseason games, holding the previous record for most games in a single playoff run.

In Their Own Story

The journey to the 2008 championship tested Rivers' resolve. After leading the Celtics to the 2010 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Lakers in seven games, he faced a pivotal decision. He deliberated between returning to Orlando for family reasons or staying in Boston. Ultimately, he chose to honor his contract and returned for the 2010–11 season. His commitment was solidified on May 13, 2011, when ESPN reported an agreement on a five-year, $35 million contract extension. On February 6, 2013, he achieved another milestone by notching his 400th win with the Celtics in a 99–95 victory over the Toronto Raptors before departing later that year.

Reader's Guide

Fans following Rivers' era remember the specific turning points of his tenure. The 2008 season began with skepticism, yet the team secured the top seed in the East. The 2010 Finals loss was a heartbreaking seven-game series against their rivals, the Lakers. Following that defeat, Rivers chose to stay rather than leave, a decision validated by the massive contract extension signed two years later. His final win as a Celtic came against the Raptors in early 2013. For supporters, this decade represents a unique blend of defensive intensity and championship success, anchored by his ability to navigate high-pressure situations like the 26-game playoff run.

Did You Know?

• Rivers earned the honor to coach the East in the 2008 All-Star Game after a victory over the New York Knicks on January 21, 2008.
• The Celtics needed an NBA-record 26 postseason games to win the 2008 championship; Rivers had previously been part of a team that played 25 playoff games in 1994.
• On February 6, 2013, Rivers recorded his 400th win with Boston in a 99–95 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
• Media critic Bill Simmons publicly called for Rivers to be fired in 2006 due to criticism of his coaching style.