Sixers Head Coach Doc Rivers has been recognized for his piping hot start to the 2020-2021 NBA season, being named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month. This marks the 12th time that he’s won the award. That makes him puts him second to only legendary Gregg Popovich, who has won it 17 times.
The Sixers sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 15-6 record. There’s never been a more fitting time to recognize Rivers and his coaching ability considering he made a huge defensive adjustment in last night’s win over Indiana, pushing the team to a 20-point comeback.
Under Doc’s guidance, the Sixers have taken on a rampant new identity. Daryl Morey did a fantastic job of building a competitive roster filled with perimeter shooting talent and it has fundamentally changed the way that the Sixers are able to play.
As a result of some true perimeter threats, Joel Embiid is playing like a true MVP candidate and is showing no signs of slowing down. Averaging 28.3 points and over 11 boards per game, the big-man has truly been at the ‘center’ of the teams’ success.
Another beneficiary of Rivers’ coaching has been Tobias Harris. The former Clippers Head Coach once got the best out of him in LA and is doing exactly that during their second run together. Tobi is averaging 20.3 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, and a career-high 1 block per game. He also is currently shooting 46.4% from the 3-point range which ranks 10th in the NBA.
The defense has been dominant this season, with the Sixers leading the NBA in blocks, while their 106.8 rating is the best in the eastern conference.
This is the first time that the Sixers have won 14 out of their first 20 since the 2000-01 season. Could this season bring a similar level of success? There’s only one way to find out. But with Doc Rivers at the wheel, it’s definitely possible.
Congratulations, Doc!
Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire
