Doc Rivers remembers the 2006-07 season vividly, and for all the wrong reasons.

The Celtics had just completed the second-worst season of their existence, losing 58 times and Rivers would have totally understood if his boss decided that – in addition to changing the roster – it was time to change the coach.

But GM Danny Ainge saw something in Rivers and convinced Celtics ownership to stick with Rivers since he felt he was the right coach to handle the egos and personalities of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. One championship and one near-miss later over a span of four years, Ainge has been greatly rewarded for his loyalty.

On Wednesday night, following a 119-95 win over the Kings at TD Garden, Rivers passed K.C. Jones for third on the franchise’s regular season all-time coaching wins list with 309. And it was Ainge whom Rivers thanked for giving him the chance.

“Yeah, you know, I don’t know what that means, honestly,” Rivers said. “It’s awesome, I guess. I mean, I just don’t know what that means, yet, because I’m not thinking about it much, I’m not done. But it’s nice. And, listen, it’s Danny Ainge at the end of the day. I’m full-aware of that. We were bad for two years and he stuck with me. And believed in me. And so, at the end of the day it’s Danny Ainge more than me.”

Rivers, whose record stands at 309-221, trails only Tommy Heinsohn (427) and all-time leader Red Auerbach (795) on the franchise’s all-time list. Rivers guaranteed one thing Wednesday, he won’t be shooting for first. “No. That ain’t gonna happen. I can guarantee you that!”