Kohl's words quickly set the pace, with the media subsequently fueling the flames and pushing Fisher into the storm of public opinion.
Fisher had reasons to believe that Kohl was deliberately kicking him while he was down, wanting to see another coach get fired by the management due to postseason failures. It was a blatant frame-up.
But even after seeing through the opponent's intentions, what could he do? Only winning could change public opinion.
But who could defeat the Clippers?
Not long ago, Kohl had just been defeated by the Clippers 0-4, ending his own coaching career. And now, he sat in the studio, commanding and critiquing with ease.
As Fisher was caught in the whirlpool of public opinion, Durant stood up: "You damn media, why can't you sincerely praise the performance of the Clippers? Isn't it because they played well that we lost? The reason we lost is simple—it's because the Clippers performed better in the last two games!"