Overview

• 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.