Doc Rivers to Make Bucks Coaching Debut Amid Tough Schedule

Rivers aims to improve team's defense and capitalize on veteran-heavy roster for title contention

Doc Rivers is set to make his Milwaukee Bucks coaching debut against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets on Monday, with the Bucks currently tied for the NBA’s second-best record (32-14).
Rivers is taking over midseason despite the Bucks' upcoming difficult schedule, which includes seven of eight games against winning teams from Mar. 4 to Mar. 20.
Rivers was enticed by the opportunity to coach superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and contend for another title, and believes the veteran-heavy roster is more likely to buy into a new game plan midseason.
Rivers aims to improve the Bucks' defensive rating, which currently ranks 19th in the league, over their remaining 36 games before the playoffs.
Damian Lillard expressed his faith in Rivers, citing his history as a player and a coach, and believes that Rivers thrives in extreme situations.