Congratulations Kevin McHale on his 1st coaching career playoffs series win for the Rockets!!!

Yes, congratulations!

As mentioned, Popovich's comment about the players ultimately making plays or not, how well they succeed is influenced by their head coach's demeanor and perspective. Isaih Thomas on NBA TV said that McHale is putting his "Celtic" DNA imprint on the team.

There is another factor in this, too. i remember Barkley saying after some tragic event (don't recall) that basketball, after all, is just a game. It shouldn't be taken as seriously as some involved do. I think the tragic loss of McHale's daughter changed his perspective forever. He may have always been one to take bad games and mistakes in stride, but I think that loss also tempered his view of the importance of basketball and championships. I think he wants it as bad as anyone in basketball, but it won't shatter his world like it might some if it doesn't happen. It's a lesson we all can benefit from. I hope the players recognize it. I think it is why he can say he loves the players. The player-coach relationship is as fulfilling for him as winning -- maybe even more.

 

Fickle fans....just seems like yesterday he was "excrement"

 

Measurable success brings changes of heart.

 

It's not just McHale... but the whole coaching staff.

I feel like J.B. Bickerstaff is huge for this team.

 

Some said that Houston would NEVER win a single playoff series with McHale as the coach.

 

Yep, that was many "someones"...but don't quote them...lol they can't stand having their own words reappear. LOL. Trust me, you will get called every name in the book.

 

I have seen alot of him on TV as well . . . he does alot of talking to players etc
Seems very active

Props to the whole staff

Rocket River

 

Bickerstaff has a very bright future as a coach.

His father had him involved in the game early and it shows.

He is well liked by the players and his intelligence is well known by the coaches.

He could be a head coach in a year or two.

 

My hat is off to the coaching staff. They've obtained a lot of buy-in from the players, and in general, they put the individuals in places where they can play to their strengths, and they reacted well to adjustments and strategies from the Mavs.

I was not a fan of the McHale hire originally, and I said so, but I'm so happy for him and the team this year. It's all come together, despite a lot of obstacles.