Despite coaching the upstart Clippers to a surprising 48-34 record, and guiding them to the playoffs in an extremely competitive Western Conference, Doc Rivers fell short of winning the Coach of the Year award, losing to Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Doc, one of the winningest coaches in NBA history, had one of his most critically acclaimed coaching performances this season, pushing all the right buttons for the Clippers and getting them to play hard every night. He played young guys and helped them grow, kept his veterans happy, and managed rotations smartly.