Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was in a jovial mood during Tuesday night's post-game presser. When asked about their upcoming schedule, Rivers seemed to be unaware of the fact his team has just one back-to-back set over the next 47 days.
Rivers paused for a moment after hearing the scheduling information from our Tomer Azarly. Clearly impressed with this research, Doc briefly interrupted with a friendly jab:
“Doc, I don't know if you look at it this way, but you guys are in the midst of a stretch where you have 47 days with only one back-to-back. Is this…”
“I'm so proud of the studying you're doing,” the Clippers coach interjected, holding a straight face. “That is very impressive. Do you go out?”
Media members who were in the room immediately burst into laughter. After a moment or two, though, Rivers actually mustered up an answer to the scheduling question, noting that the team will have a lot of shootaround sessions due to the lack of back-to-back games.
Me – Doc, you’re in a stretch with one back-to-back in 47 days.”
Doc Rivers – “Wow, I’m so proud of the studying you’re doing. That’s very impressive… Do you go out?”#Clippers pic.twitter.com/JfRTljWM1g
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 15, 2020
The Clippers cruised to a 128-103 victory over the Cavs on Tuesday night. Kawhi Leonard led L.A. in scoring, racking up a season-high 43 points in just under 29 minutes of action. According to ESPN and the Elias Sports Bureau, he became the third NBA player in the shot-clock era to score at least 43 points in under 29 minutes. He also became the first player in franchise history to record at least 40 points in less than 30 minutes.
The Clippers will be back in action on Wednesday night, when they'll serve as hosts to the Orlando Magic. Tip-off inside the Staples Center is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.