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BREAKING: Doc Rivers Bids an Emotional Goodbye as Los Angeles Clippers Fire Him Following NBA Playoffs Exit

Published 09/28/2020, 6:07 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Clippers had yet another poor postseason performance and were out of the Playoffs early. As a result, the franchise has decided to part ways with head coach Doc Rivers after seven years of service.

Rivers was hired in hopes of turning the franchise around; instead, it has been more of the same. The Clippers have won just three playoff series under Doc and recently blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in WCSF.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report Rivers’ sacking by the Clippers.

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“Coach Doc Rivers is out with the Clippers, sources tell ESPN.”

Moreover, this news was confirmed by Doc himself as he left a heartfelt message for Clippers fans.

Thank you Clippers Nation for allowing me to be your coach and for all your support in helping make this a winning franchise. When I took this job, my goals were to make this a winning basketball program, a free agent destination, and bring a championship to this organization.

While I was able to accomplish most of my goals, I won’t be able to see them all through. Though it was a disappointing ending to our season, you are right here and I know what this team is capable of accomplishing with your support. 

Thank you to all the players, coaches, and staff for helping us get here. Most importantly, thank you to the fans. We went through a lot, and I am grateful for my time here.”

When Doc arrived at the Clippers, he was already a champion with the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he could never translate that success to this franchise. Moving forward, the Clippers might make several tough decisions to convince their superstars to stay.

What’s next for the Los Angeles Clippers?

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USA Today via Reuters

When the Clippers paired up Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, there were very high expectations from the two superstars. They did well in the regular season, finishing as the second seed in the crowded Western Conference.

But during the Playoffs, the team never looked on the same page. It felt like the chemistry was missing both on and off the floor. As a result, the franchise failed to make their first-ever Conference Finals appearance and now the chances are looking brim for them.

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One of the biggest reasons why PG13 and the Klaw signed with the Clippers was to play under Doc Rivers. With him gone, there is a huge chance the superstars might part away as well in the coming season.

But what do you think? Did the Clippers made the right decision by firing Doc?

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Written by:

Aikansh Chaudhary

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Aikansh Chaudhary is an NBA columnist for Essentially Sports. Previously, he helped rank various websites using the latest SEO techniques, and wrote over 2000 articles during his stint as a freelance writer. A die hard Lakers fan, Aikansh will forever uphold LeBron James as the GOAT.
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