Clippers Oust Coach Doc Rivers Following Playoff Meltdown

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Clippers ousted coach Doc Rivers on Monday following the team's playoff meltdown against the Denver Nuggets.

Rivers confirmed the news on Twitter, thanking the "Clipper Nation for allowing me to be your coach and for all your support in helping make this a winning franchise."

The team was considered a championship contender since the off-season, but the Clippers disappointed fans when they blew a 3-1 series lead over the Nuggets.

"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," Rivers said. "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 there 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."

In beating the Clippers, Denver advanced to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Lakers in five games. Had the Clippers won, it would have been the first time the two Los Angeles teams squared off in the playoffs.

It was a bitter end for the Clippers, who were picked by many pundits as a favorite to reach the NBA Finals this year — ahead of the rival Lakers — thanks largely to the off-season acquisition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.