https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/9/16/21439315/los-angeles-clippers-game-7-kawhi-leonardBut now Rivers has been the head coach of three teams that have blown a 3-1 lead. Yes, you read that right: three blown 3-1 leads. There have been only 13 of those in NBA history. He’s also coached three teams that have blown 3-2 leads. The losses are as follows:
2003 Round 1, Magic blow a 3-1 lead to Pistons
2009 Round 2, Celtics blow a 3-2 lead to Magic
2010 NBA Finals, Celtics blow a 3-2 lead to Lakers
2012 East finals, Celtics blow a 3-2 lead to Heat
2015 Round 2, Clippers blow a 3-1 lead to Rockets
2020 Round 2, Clippers blow a 3-1 lead to Nuggets
Blowing leads is a trend for Rivers, and that’s often due to a lack of adjustments. Why wouldn’t Williams’s minutes dwindle when he couldn’t stop anyone? How long are you going to stick with Harrell when he looks lost in the pick-and-roll? Why continue to double Nikola Jokic as the Nuggets pick them apart time and time again? He could’ve put Kawhi on Jokic sooner. He could’ve tried Green or Morris at center with perimeter-oriented lineups and played small ball, just like we’ve seen virtually every other team in the semifinals do at some point. He could’ve made a tough call. But Doc’s inaction led to a blown series lead. For the sixth time.
Can't say I'm unhappy with their decision... makes me smile.