Skip to content

Rivers nearly forfeited Clippers game in 2014 to rest players

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers had a brutal stretch of games from Jan. 17-27, 2014, hitting the road for seven straight against Eastern Conference competition (Knicks, Pacers, Pistons, Hornets, Bulls, Raptors, and Bucks) before returning home to the Staples Center for a matchup with the Washington Wizards.

Playing their eighth game in 12 nights, the Clippers then had to hit the road again to take on the Golden State Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back swing.

Head coach Doc Rivers' players were essentially zombies at the point, which is why the idea of forfeiting the game against Golden State and giving his roster some much-needed rest crossed his mind.

"I contemplated keeping the team home, literally," Rivers told ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "We knew we were walking into getting our ass kicked, and that's what happened.

"What is it they say? If you have less than five hours of sleep for three days in a row, your reactions are that of a legally drunk driver? We've seen that with our own eyes."

The Clippers went on to get blown out by the Warriors, shooting 40.8 percent from the field and missing 12 shots at the charity stripe in a 111-92 defeat.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox