Jacque Vaughn, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, will face off against his former coach, Doc Rivers, in the first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Vaughn played for Rivers as a point guard on the 2002-03 Orlando Magic team, starring Tracy McGrady. Vaughn called it a "luxury" to learn from Rivers, who showed him how to communicate with NBA superstars. Vaughn had to put this knowledge into practice when he assumed the head coaching post for the Nets following Steve Nash's dismissal. He had to lead two NBA superstars, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, which proved fruitful, with the team winning 31 out of 51 games. Vaughn said he learned a lot from Rivers on communicating with the stars on the team while holding everyone else accountable. Vaughn's successful performance as interim coach brought him to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he will compete against his former coach.