The Philadelphia 76ers faced a tough loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, as they aimed to secure a favorable draft position by extending their losing streak to ten games. Despite a remarkable performance by rookie Adem Bona, who scored a career-high 28 points, the Sixers fell short in the match, losing 126-113. Head coach Nick Nurse was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in quick succession, further amplifying the team's struggles. The loss leaves the Sixers with a 23-54 record.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his MVP-caliber talent with 35 points, 17 rebounds, and a career-high 20 assists, achieving his 53rd triple-double. With this victory, the Bucks improved to 42-34, snapping a four-game losing streak. The game also marked a milestone for former Sixers coach Doc Rivers, who surpassed Phil Jackson for seventh place on the all-time coaching wins list. The Sixers, already missing key players due to injuries, welcomed new addition Colin Castleton on a 10-day contract.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers provided an optimistic update on Damian Lillard, who is recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his calf. Rivers noted that Lillard, absent for the eighth consecutive game, is feeling good and that there’s "much more hope today" for his return this season. The Bucks chose not to take Lillard on their road trip to avoid exacerbating the injury.

As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Rivers acknowledged the team is bracing for the possibility of Lillard being sidelined for the playoffs. They are focusing on adjusting their strategies without him, particularly managing Giannis Antetokounmpo's minutes. The Bucks are currently in a tight race for playoff positioning, needing to nab the fifth seed to secure a more favorable postseason route. Rivers highlighted the need to address turnover issues that have plagued the team, stressing that efficiency in shot attempts will be pivotal moving forward.

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.