NBA Twitter didn’t hold back when Doc Rivers and the Clippers decided to part ways
The Clippers high expectations were blown to bits when the Denver Nuggets came back from a 3-1 deficit, extending the franchise’s streak of not reaching the Western Conference Finals. As a result, Doc Rivers needs to find a new gig.
River is a good NBA head coach, and if he wants another job he’ll find it somewhere. He’s able to connect with star players and has a championship on his resumé. That’s more than most can say. With the Clippers, however, things fell apart very quickly.
Considering they’re LA’s second favorite team, social media was quick to react with a vengeance.
It wasn’t just Lakers fans making fun of the Clippers and Rivers
The Clippers became a punching bag within seconds of Rivers’ departure.
DOC RIVERS IS FIRED?! CLIPPER NATION, WE GOING UP TODAY! I WILL TAKE THIS AS A CONSOLATION PRIZE!
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) September 28, 2020
DOC RIVERS PACK HITTIN pic.twitter.com/rHA9BP94gq
— Union (@Un1onIsHere) September 28, 2020
Doc Rivers: “We’re going to go back to the drawing board, figure it out, and hit the ground running next season.”
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 28, 2020
Clippers: pic.twitter.com/hyICOeNral
Doc Rivers really got fired cuz of this pic.twitter.com/yrzAal8zQJ
— LobToAD (@LakersForDays) September 28, 2020
Doc Rivers: "It was a tough ending to a tough season, but we will come back stronger next year."
— RingerNBA (@ringernba) September 28, 2020
The Clippers front office: pic.twitter.com/2xd8falupU
FLASH SALE!!
— Fat Kid Deals (@FatKidDeals) September 28, 2020
Get Doc Rivers Book, The Inspiring Life and Leadership for FREEhttps://t.co/Ejw8Db1ssc pic.twitter.com/dbeSUC8Uy2
How Frank Vogel looking at Doc Rivers https://t.co/BaYCwu14BN
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) September 28, 2020
Doc Rivers when he tries to enter the Clippers facility @thisleague pic.twitter.com/kbjN3IDKgQ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 28, 2020
How the Clippers did Doc Rivers pic.twitter.com/4qMBNQi3gi
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) September 28, 2020
It’s a cold world on NBA Twitter.
As mentioned, Rivers’ respect around the Association will land him another position if he wants one. The Clippers, though, are another story entirely. The franchise felt they needed a change at the top, and Rivers was the culprit. Hell, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George aren’t going anywhere. The failures of two of the game’s greatest stars, specifically George this postseason, weren’t overlooked.
Doc doesn’t deserve this, but it’s the word of Steve Balmer that wins out, per usual.