Doc Rivers Tenure (2013–2020)
The coach who led the Clippers to seven straight playoff appearances and established a winning culture in Los Angeles.
Doc Rivers arrived in Los Angeles in June 2013, tasked with elevating a franchise long plagued by inconsistency and ownership controversy. His tenure marked a highly successful period in Clippers history, transforming the team from lottery regulars into perennial playoff contenders. While defined early on by the 'Lob City' trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, his legacy was built on consistent regular-season success and deep playoff runs.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Head Coach
- Tenure start
- June 2013
- Ownership era
- Late Donald Sterling; Early Steve Ballmer
- Playoff consistency
- Qualified for playoffs in all 7 seasons
Lore & Background
The culmination of his seven-year run occurred in the NBA Bubble in Orlando. The Clippers advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they ultimately fell to the Denver Nuggets after blowing a 3-1 series lead. While the championship remained elusive, Rivers proved that the franchise could compete at the highest level, setting a new standard for future coaches and management.
Reader's Guide
The era began under Donald Sterling's ownership, with Rivers tasked to stabilize 'Lob City.' The team found immediate regular-season success but struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs due to defensive inconsistencies. In 2014, Steve Ballmer purchased the franchise, signaling a new financial and cultural direction. This period saw the departure of Chris Paul and the arrival of Paul George, shifting the style toward two-way play and veteran leadership rather than pure athletic flash. The final phase focused on maximizing the talents of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Did You Know?
- Doc Rivers was the first coach in franchise history to lead the Clippers to multiple 50-win seasons.
- He won an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 prior to joining Los Angeles.
More in Club History & Eras
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