Doc Rivers relieved of duties as Clippers head coach

Head coach Doc Rivers has been relieved of his duties as lead man for the Los Angeles Clippers as reported Monday, Sept. 28.

It was reported that it was a joint decision between Rivers and team owner Steve Ballmer.

Rivers led the Clippers to a 49-23 record in a shortened NBA season this year which was good for second in the Western Conference.

This comes after the team secured reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard in the offseason via free agency and all-star Paul George in a trade with Oklahoma City.

The belief was Leonard and George wanted to join a Rivers’ led team that was eighth the previous season and took a healthy Golden State Warriors team to six games without a primary star.

This year’s team held a 3-1 lead on the Denver Nuggets before losing three straight games and ending it’s season.

In all three games, the Clippers held a double-digit lead.

Currently, the Clippers are still seeking their first Western Conference Finals berth.

Rivers is 5-8 all-time in game sevens which is the most for a head coach.

In seven seasons, Rivers compiled a 356-208 record for the Clippers leading them to five of their six best seasons.

In addition, this year’s 49-23 finish is the fourth best in Clipper history.

He also leads the organization in all-time wins and playoff appearances in addition to owning the best win percentage.

Overall, Rivers has a 943-681 record with Orlando, Boston and Los Angeles.

However, Rivers holds a 91-89 record in the playoffs although he did lead the Celtics to a championship in 2008.

Houston, New Orleans and Philadelphia have emerged as possible destinations for Rivers.