Bucks' Rivers books All-Star Game spot after 3 contests

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and his staff will coach the Eastern Conference squad at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, the league announced.

The Boston Celtics boast the best record in the conference, but head coach Joe Mazzulla isn't eligible to coach at the festivities as he did so last season.

By virtue of the Bucks' 25-point comeback win against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night, Milwaukee secured the second-best record in the East through Feb. 4, resulting in Rivers receiving the honor.

Rivers attempted to convince the NBA that he shouldn't coach given that he has only been with the Bucks for three games, but he was overruled by the league, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

The 62-year-old said he planned on giving the All-Star Game bonus and ring to Adrian Griffin, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. Griffin was let go by Milwaukee after 43 games with the organization despite boasting a 30-13 record in his rookie season as a head coach.

This will be the fourth time Rivers coaches at the All-Star Game. He was behind the bench in 2008, 2011, and 2021.

The 2024 All-Star Game will take place in Indianapolis on Feb. 18. The Eastern Conference will be led by Rivers' star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.