One summer day a long time ago in Maywood, Ill., a young Doc Rivers had just lost a pick-up game to one of the best players in the Chicago area, Isiah Thomas, breaking a sacred rule among Rivers and his friends.
That mentality meant Rivers and his team angrily chased the future Hall of Famer and his squad across town into the sanctuary of a neighborhood rec center.
Before Friday’s 108-92 win over Oklahoma City, Rivers, the Clippers head coach, leaned back in his chair and chuckled. He was completely relaxed, his voice a little less scratchy, and he seemed really happy.