Paul Pierce Defends Doc Rivers: Not Overrated

Paul Pierce leapt to Doc Rivers' defense as critics label the coach overrated, telling the No Fouls Given podcast, "I think he's great at motivating" and "I think he's great out of timeouts." Pierce placed Rivers' high-profile 3-1 losses on the players, arguing superstars must win games without coaching. Rivers still owns a title and two Finals with Boston, but his runs with the Clippers, 76ers and Bucks failed to clear the second round and sparked the current debate. Merlin sees the story as more than headlines. Coaching is part craft and part roster alchemy. Rivers' strengths in motivation and late-game craft are real, yet injuries, superstar availability and front office moves often decide series. Give Rivers a clear star and steady roster and he can still guide deep runs; without that, the coach takes the blame.