Clippers’ Doc Rivers took road trip into mountains to escape

The Clippers have lost four of their last six games, and Coach Doc Rivers wanted to use the team’s four-day break for a getaway.

So he drove. And drove. And apparently drove some more.

“I go up mountains, and drive,” Rivers said. “Really, I drive hours. Wherever I end up, I check into a hotel and they say, ‘Hey, how are you doing? What are you doing here?’”

Rivers joked he does that to get away from the media, and he declined to give up his hiding spot.

“You’ll never know,” Rivers said. “The last thing I want you to know is that.”

The Clippers last played Saturday, beating the Detroit Pistons, 101-96, in a game that came down to the final minute. Their next game isn’t until Thursday, when they host the undefeated Golden State Warriors. Rivers gave the Clippers two days off, and he plans to hold two practices.

In addition to his little tryst with the open road, Rivers said he pored over film during the break.

The Clippers have been struggling with rebounding, and teaching their nine new players their sets, which recently became increasingly important because starters Chris Paul (strained right groin) and J.J. Redick (back spasms) missed the last two games.

When asked where the Clippers need to improve the most, Rivers didn’t hesitate.

“Everything,” he said. “I’m serious.”

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