NBA Awards 2019: 3 reasons why Doc Rivers should win the Coach of the Year Award

#1 Rivers was able to maximize and adapt

Los Angeles Clippers v Atlanta Hawks

Dealing with different players and different egos can sometimes prove to be a tough task. Luckily for the Clippers, this was something Rivers had extensive experience with. During his time with the Boston Celtics, he managed many stars and found a lot of success in his ways.

Being a team without any 'stars' as such, Rivers had to call on his experience and basketball IQ to really get the most out of his team. Firstly, he got everyone to buy into what they were doing and their roles within the team. Every single player on that roster believed that they belonged in the playoffs. Secondly, he used his rotations and minutes management to perfection.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Montrezl Harrell were given the time and trust to come into their own and had breakout years for the team while scoring veterans like Williams and Gallinari were given the time they needed to do what they do best.

All of the Clippers' efforts came to fruition when they made it to the first round of the playoffs against the Warriors. It was predicted that they wouldn't win a single game against the Warriors, but shocked the world as they pushed the series to 6 games, including an incredible 31-point comeback win.

Of the three nominees, Rivers brought about the most growth in his team and had them stay focused on their way to shattering all expectations of them this season.

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