Coach Terry Stotts Marks 500 Career Wins

Coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers marked a significant milestone with the team’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks: 500 career wins. According to Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian, it’s a milestone that Stotts doubted he would ever achieve after struggling to find his footing early in his coaching career.

“It’s pretty special,” Stotts said. “After my first two years in Atlanta, I didn’t think I’d get to 100 (wins). So, I’ve been in the league a long time, and I’m very fortunate.”

After the game, the team celebrated by dousing Coach Stotts in water in the locker room, and they awarded him the team ball.

Fentress notes that Coach Stotts gives credit where it is due for his 385-304 record with the Trail Blazers.

“As a coach, you always know your success is based on your players,” Stotts said. “It’s a players’ league and players determine your success or failure. I’ve been fortunate, here in Portland especially, to have some real good players who believed in doing things the right way and playing the right way.”

CJ McCollum stated that one of the things that drives Stotts is his love of the game.

“I think he loves basketball,” McCollum said. “I think that’s important, first and foremost. He loves the game.”

Robert Covington, meanwhile, said he was just happy to be a part of the achievement.

“He’s been a great dude that I’ve learned a lot from,” Covington said. “I’m just glad that I was able to be a part of the 500.”

Congratulations, Coach Stotts!