Doc Rivers puts $25,000 fine behind him, focuses on Game 6 preparation

It was clear Wednesday afternoon that Clippers Coach Doc Rivers had already moved past the $25,000 fine the NBA levied against him earlier in the day for his criticism of the officials after his team lost Game 5 at Staples Center.

Rivers’ main focus was getting his team prepared for Game 6 on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs after the Clippers lost a tough Game 5 on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

After that 111-107 loss, which left the Clippers down, 3-2, and on the brink of elimination in the best-of-seven series, Rivers complained about the officiating.

Rivers took his punishment.

“It was a good call,” Rivers said to a small gathering of reporters Wednesday at the team’s hotel in San Antonio. “It was. Great call. I just felt like it needed to be said.”

They lost Game 5 after DeAndre Jordan was called for basket interference, wiping out a basket by Blake Griffin that would have given the Clippers a one-point lead with 4.9 seconds left.

The Clippers have to respond, just as they did after getting blown out in Game 3 and winning Game 4.

“We’ll be ready for the game,” Rivers said. “I think our guys have been very resilient all year. And I would be very surprised if we weren’t ready to play a great Game 6.”

Twitter: @BA_Turner