Doc Rivers on the Bucks: “Could we win a title today? I don't know. But when it's time, I think that answer will be yes.” (via @JamalCollier)
Doc Rivers on the booing he received in his return to Philadelphia: "I didn't even hear it, to be honest. That means I was back at home"
NBAMonday, 26 February 2024 at 07:00
In a highly anticipated return, Doc Rivers, former coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, made his way back to the City of Brotherly Love, but the reception he received wasn't quite what he expected.
"I wasn't sure what kind of reception I'd get," Rivers admitted before his current team, the Milwaukee Bucks, secured a 119-98 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday.
Despite being uncertain, Rivers was greeted with a chorus of boos from the Philadelphia crowd as his name was announced before tipoff. However, Rivers, known for his cool demeanor, shrugged it off with a smile after the game. "I didn't even hear it, to be honest. That means I was back at home," he quipped.
Despite the chilly reception, Rivers reflected positively on his time with the Sixers, which came to an end after three seasons. Although he was fired in May after losing in the Eastern Conference semifinals for three consecutive seasons, Rivers highlighted the progress made during his tenure.
"I'm happy with it overall, I just wish we could've gone further," Rivers said. "But overall, Joel [Embiid] became an MVP, and we established this team as a championship contender. That wasn't said the year before."
Once the game began, the Bucks dominated the Sixers, who were without Embiid for their 11th consecutive game due to a knee procedure. Milwaukee's stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the charge, combining to score or assist on 82 of the Bucks' 119 points. Additionally, Brook Lopez contributed five blocks to bolster Milwaukee's defense.
Reflecting on his time coaching against the Sixers, Rivers acknowledged the team's close call in last year's playoffs. "It just tells you how close we were," he said. "Things happen and you just live with them."
Despite the lukewarm reception from Philadelphia fans, Antetokounmpo expressed his admiration for Rivers, emphasizing the coach's experience and simplicity in approach.
With the Bucks now 5-7 under Rivers, it's clear that while his return to Philadelphia may have been met with mixed emotions, his focus remains on leading his new team to success.
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