BOSTON’S DOC RIVERS AND PORTLAND’S NATE McMILLAN NAMED NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE COACHES OF THE MONTH NEW YORK, April 17, 2009 – The Boston Celtics’ Doc Rivers and the Portland Trail Blazers’ Nate McMillan today were named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in April. Rivers guided the Celtics to a 6-1 (.857) record in April, including a perfect 5-0 mark at home. Boston recorded wins over three Eastern Conference playoff teams, winning home games over the Hawks and Heat, and also picking up a road win over the 76ers. The Celtics own the Eastern Conference’s second seed. Rivers also won the award this season for games played in October/November. McMillan led the Trail Blazers to a 7-1 (.875) record for games played in April. Portland recorded wins over the only three teams seeded ahead of them in the Western Conference playoffs (Lakers, Nuggets and Spurs). The fourth-seeded Trail Blazers posted a 34-7 record at home this season, and were a perfect 3-0 on their own floor in April. Other nominees for the Coach of the Month for April were Chicago’s Vinny Del Negro, Cleveland’s Mike Brown, Dallas’ Rick Carlisle, Los Angeles Lakers’ Phil Jackson and San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich.
Good for Nate. The comebacks against MEM and SA were the result of the poise with which Nate has instilled in this team. Of course, falling behind was a reflection that we start slowly, which is also on Nate.
Congrats Nate! You've been there during the down times, now you're starting get your much deserved props!
Also, the defense they've shown down the stretch seems to validate that McMillan is a very good defense coach. It took some time for the team to get it together, but they're playing great defense, despite great defense being something of a "veteran skill."
Ooo, wow, real tough to guide the defending champs at home. Now that's Impressive, against an amazingly tough Western conference. . Bottom Line is Blazers are the best young team in the playoff's right now therefore they should need the most coaching, hence sonic boom sergeant "Guile," aka Nate McMillan should be nominated COY.
Something happened to Paul Pierce? J/K - I agree - the Celts did very well without KG (but I am serious - he is not their best player - probably their leader - but PP is the best player on that roster).
I think when defense is factored in, KG is definitely still their best player. I think Rondo is their second-best player, at this point. He's comparable in production to Pierce and a defensive stud. Pierce is solid on defense, but not great.
