PHOENIX � It was an emotional Friday for new Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer.

The Philadelphia 76ers fired coach Doc Rivers following a third straight exit in the second round of the playoffs. It was the second time in that span that he lost a series lead and a Game 7. Rivers led the 76ers to their second straight 50-win season behind NBA MVP Joel Embiid but again failed to lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals or beyond. The 76ers held a 3-2 semifinal series lead against Boston before dropping Game 6 at home and were crushed in Game 7 on the road. Rivers fell to 6-10 in Game 7s. He had two years left on his contract. He won the 2008 NBA title as coach of the Boston Celtics.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has a postgame workout routine that's paying dividends even though he was recently sidelined. The 6-foot-2 guard is doing all he can to prolong his career even as lingering injuries creep in more often and demand management. The Warriors need him to be at his best. Golden State is battling for homecourt in the postseason, which could be pivotal in defending the title. The champs' road struggles have been well-documented as the team is only 7-26 away from home.