When an official calls a foul on the Clippers, coach Doc Rivers’ first instinct isn’t to look down his bench for a substitution.
The depth of his roster has only emboldened him. Ten Clippers who have appeared in at least half the team’s games are averaging 10 minutes or more. The rotation went 10 deep in 10 straight games entering Sunday, and included 11 players twice and 12 players three times.
Depth hasn’t changed Rivers’ approach to all foul-related decisions. He needs players who close games, such as reserves Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, to be available for the fourth quarter and might opt to shield them early.