Doc Rivers, currently coaching the Milwaukee Bucks, is on the brink of becoming the seventh winningest coach in NBA history with 1,154 regular-season wins. His journey includes a celebrated tenure with the Boston Celtics, where he clinched a championship in 2008. Despite this success, Rivers is haunted by his history of losing three 3-1 playoff leads, a topic that stirs controversy among fans.

Rivers argues that the criticism is unfair, emphasizing the achievements of the teams he led. He recalls the 2015 playoffs with the Clippers, where injuries affected their performance against the Houston Rockets in a pivotal series. He believes that his teams often overachieved and cites his pride in never being swept in the playoffs.

Rivers reflects on the unique challenges faced during the pandemic-altered 2020 playoffs, noting that the psychological state of his players affected their performance in the bubble. Despite the criticisms, he accepts the playoff disappointments as part of his legacy.

Doc Rivers is poised to make history as he closes in on his 1,154th career regular-season win as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, potentially tying Phil Jackson for seventh on the all-time list. Rivers, who led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, has had a storied coaching career spanning 26 years across various teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.

Despite his successes, Rivers is often remembered for his playoff collapses, notably blowing 3-1 series leads with the Magic, Clippers, and more recently in 2020. He defends his record, suggesting criticism is unfair, given the challenges faced, including player injuries. Rivers remains proud of his coaching achievements and the resilience of his teams, even amid disappointment.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ascent as a premier NBA player has surprised even those who recognized his potential early in his career. Doc Rivers, who coached him during his rookie season with the Clippers, acknowledged that although they believed he would be good, they couldn't have predicted the level of excellence he has achieved.

Currently leading the NBA with an impressive average of 33 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to enhance his MVP candidacy. His back-to-back performance, scoring 48 points against Detroit and 31 against Milwaukee, highlighted his versatility, particularly as he adapted his gameplay without relying on three-pointers. This evolution exemplifies his ability to not only score but to contribute meaningfully in a variety of ways, which has been a significant factor in the Thunder's success this season.

The Milwaukee Bucks are finding their rhythm following a trade for Kyle Kuzma, who has demonstrated his scoring abilities and unexpectedly strong defense. Currently, the team has won six out of their last seven games and holds the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. Coach Doc Rivers remains open to adjusting the starting lineup, suggesting that Gary Trent Jr. could rejoin as a starter. Kuzma's integration into the team has allowed Trent to thrive off the bench, averaging over 14 points in his last ten games. Despite the Bucks' success, Rivers may tinker with the lineup, but any change must be carefully considered, especially as the playoffs approach.

The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games without pay due to a positive test for Tramadol, a painkiller prohibited under league policies. Portis claims he used an NBA-approved medication for an elbow injury but mistakenly took Tramadol instead of the permitted Toradol. His suspension began during the Bucks' recent victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and will keep him from playing until April 8, potentially impacting the Bucks' playoff ambitions.

Portis expressed regret for the situation, acknowledging his responsibility for the substances he consumes. Despite the setback, he aims to return ready for the playoffs. The Bucks' coach, Doc Rivers, criticized the harshness of the penalty, arguing that the circumstances warrant a more lenient response. This season has already been challenging for Portis, who recently dealt with the loss of his grandmother.