Clippers’ Doc Rivers responds to Magic Johnson’s criticism of team

After the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday, Magic Johnson took to Twitter to offer his opinion.

Tweeted Johnson: “I thought the Spurs taught the Clippers how to win after a tough 7 game series. I was wrong. The Clippers are still the Clippers.”

The Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead over the Rockets in the second round, allowing the Rockets to become just the ninth team in NBA history to recover from that type of a deficit.

When Rivers spoke to reporters Monday, a day after the Clippers’ 113-100 loss in Game 7 to the Rockets, the coach said Johnson had a point.

“I respect Magic Johnson, but at the end of the day, until we do something, I guess we are the Clippers,” Rivers said.

The coach, however, went on to clarify that statement.

“I didn’t know being the Clippers was bad though, that’s the only thing I’ll say. I like being a Clipper, personally, so I’m good with that.”

When the Clippers advanced past the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round and were only one game away from reaching the Western Conference finals in the second round, Johnson actually praised the team.

Tweeted Johnson: “I never thought I would say this, but I think the Clippers can win the NBA Championship. They have a little bit of everything...”

Rivers laughed at the fact that within the course of a week Johnson, along with many others, went from saying that the Clippers were true title contenders to now saying the Clippers need to blow up their roster.

“I don’t listen,” Rivers said. “That’s why.”

Twitter: @melissarohlin