Clippers vs Jazz Game 7: Three things on the line Sunday afternoon
By Keith Rivas
![April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
Doc Rivers’ Job
I’m not sure why this hasn’t been talked about more recently, but the idea of Doc Rivers being maintained if they are eliminated again isn’t for sure. After success in Boston, Rivers has only met challenges in Los Angeles.
Failing to win a title should fall on his shoulders more than anybody else’s.
A loss in Game 7 to the Jazz could easily close the chapter of Doc Rivers and the team. Especially when you think of the new faces that could be on the roster next season, having the same unsuccessful coach doesn’t help chemistry there one bit.
"This series deserves a Game 7" -- @LAClippers coach Doc Rivers (vs. @utahjazz Sunday 3:30 ET #NBAonABC)
— NBA.com (@NBAcom) April 29, 2017
WATCH: https://t.co/44vRnSG8PY pic.twitter.com/bhsxeB2LGb
It’s not to say Rivers hasn’t done a decent job elsewhere, but in Los Angeles, things just haven’t panned out the way he or the team hoped they would.
It’s do or die for the team, but don’t be shocked to see Doc Rivers coach for his job at Staples Center.
Like the free agent situation, there are plenty of teams out there who could make a run for Rivers if he is let go. Depending on the performance in Game 7, Rivers will either be looking for new work, retained for no reason, or on to the second round.
Any way you cut it, it’s a thin line to be walking.