NBA, Doc Rivers is no longer the coach of the Clippers

As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, citing ESPN sources, Doc Rivers has resigned as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers were eliminated in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs 4-3 by the Denver Nuggets, in a series in which they led 3-1. Rivers coached the team for 7 seasons after winning an NBA title as head coach at the Boston Celtics.

The 2019/20 Clippers had been assembled with the aim of winning the first title in the history of the franchise, with the free agency arrivals of Kawhi Leonard and via trade of Paul George, and with players such as Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, Pat Beverley and later Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson on the roster. The team instead ended up losing 3 games in a row to the Nuggets, having led with double-digit advantages during the races.

Coach Rivers confirmed the news firsthand, with a message of thanks to the Clippers and the fans: “Thanks to the Clippers Nation for granting me the honor of being the coach and for the support to make this team a winner. When I accepted the job, my goal was to make the Clippers a winning team, a welcome destination for free agents, and win the NBA title. Even if the season finale was not as imagined, I know you are always here and I know what this team will be able to do with your support. Thanks to all the players, coaches and staff for helping us get here, and most importantly thanks to the fans. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m grateful “.