The Bucks have been eliminated from the 2024-2025 NBA playoffs after a stunning 119-118 OT loss to Indiana on Tuesday, losing the series 4-1 thanks to a game-winner from Tyrese Haliburton.
The end of the Bucks' season was riddled with big injuries. Star point guard Damian Lillard had a blood clot that saw him miss the last month of the regular season. He was able to return in the first round of the playoffs but played in only three games before rupturing his Achilles. This injury not only contributed to Milwaukee being knocked out of the playoffs, but it will also see it continue on without Lillard for most, if not all, of next season.
The Bucks were unable to recover from an early series deficit. While injuries certainly played a factor, it really is also a reflection on their head coach. Doc Rivers is in his second season at the helm for Milwaukee and brought his close-but-no-cigar recent playoff trend with him.
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Here is a look at Rivers' playoff record and coaching timeline.
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Doc Rivers playoff record
Here is Rivers' playoff record by season.
| Season | Team | Playoff Games | Playoff Wins | Playoff Losses | Result |
| 2000-2001 | Magic | 4 | 1 | 3 | Lost in first round |
| 2001-2002 | Magic | 4 | 1 | 3 | Lost in first round |
| 2002-2003 | Magic | 7 | 3 | 4 | Lost in first round |
| 2004-2005 | Celtics | 7 | 3 | 4 | Lost in first round |
| 2007-2008 | Celtics | 26 | 16 | 10 | Won NBA championship |
| 2008-2009 | Celtics | 14 | 7 | 7 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2009-2010 | Celtics | 24 | 15 | 9 | Lost in NBA Finals |
| 2010-2011 | Celtics | 9 | 5 | 4 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2012-2013 | Celtics | 6 | 2 | 4 | Lost in first ound |
| 2013-2014 | Clippers | 12 | 6 | 7 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2014-2015 | Clippers | 14 | 7 | 7 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2015-2016 | Clippers | 6 | 2 | 4 | Lost in first round |
| 2016-2017 | Clippers | 7 | 3 | 4 | Lost in first round |
| 2018-2019 | Clippers | 6 | 2 | 4 | Lost in first round |
| 2019-2020 | Clippers | 13 | 7 | 6 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2020-2021 | 76ers | 12 | 7 | 5 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2021-2022 | 76ers | 12 | 6 | 6 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2022-2023 | 76ers | 11 | 7 | 4 | Lost in conference semifinals |
| 2023-2024 | Bucks | 6 | 2 | 4 | Lost in first round |
| 2024-2025 | Bucks | 5 | 1 | 4 | Lost in first round |
Rivers has never had a problem getting to the playoffs. He has coached 26 seasons and has made the playoffs 21 times. The problem has been getting to the NBA Finals. Of his 21 playoff trips, Rivers' teams have gotten to the NBA Finals only twice. He has gone 1-1 in the Finals, but most commonly, his teams have lost in the first round.
Rivers has led his team to the postseason in seven consecutive seasons and 17 of the last 18 years.
How many rings does Doc Rivers have?
Despite the 21 trips to the postseason, Rivers cannot fill his hands with championship rings. In fact, his teams have only made it to the NBA Finals twice. Rivers and the Celtics did win the 2008 NBA Finals. He and Boston beat Phil Jackson and Los Angeles 4-2 in the series. This was the series when Boston had its Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. This also led to Garnett's iconic "anything is possible" line.
Doc Rivers coaching timeline
Here is Rivers' NBA coaching timeline.
- Orlando Magic, 1999-2004 (fired in 2004 after starting the season 1-10)
- Boston Celtics, 2004-2013 (traded to Clippers for a 2015 unprotected first-round pick)
- Los Angeles Clippers, 2013-2020 (stepped down on September 28, but landed in Philly on October 3)
- Philadelphia 76ers, 2020-2023 (Fired in 2023)
- Milwaukee Bucks, 2023-2025
Doc Rivers salary
During his first year with Milwaukee, Rivers signed a contract binding him to the team through the 2026-27 season. It was reportedly in the range of a $40 million deal, per ESPN's Shams Charania. If Milwaukee wanted to move past Rivers, it would owe him a hefty chunk of change in a payout. This isn't unfamiliar territory for the Bucks, as when they signed Rivers, they were in the process of still paying former coaches Mike Budenholzer and Adrian Griffin.