In his first full season as head coach in 1970-71, Sachs guided the Bullets to a 42-40 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs once again. The team made it to the NBA Finals that year, marking one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. Despite losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Finals, Sachs was praised for his leadership and strategic acumen.
Sachs continued to coach the Bullets in the 1971-72 season, leading the team to another playoff appearance. However, the Bullets were eliminated in the first round, and Sachs resigned from his position at the end of the season. His overall record as head coach of the Bullets was 81-71.
After leaving the Bullets, Sachs briefly served as the head coach of the San Diego Conquistadors in the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 1972-73 season. However, he resigned after just 11 games due to disagreements with the team's management.
Despite his relatively short coaching career, Sachs left a lasting impact on the game of basketball. His emphasis on defense and disciplined play was influential in shaping the strategies of future NBA coaches. His success with the Bullets, including leading the team to the NBA Finals, remains a highlight of the franchise's history.
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