Doc Rivers/Photo by Associated Press

Golden State’s Klay Thompson on Friday responded to a quote from Doc Rivers, who had previously told reporters that a team needs some “luck” to advance in the Western Conference playoffs – “Look at Golden State, they didn’t have to play us or the Spurs.”

Thompson, who helped the Warriors win the title this past season, called Rivers’ remarks “bitter” and went on to note how the Clippers lost to Houston after leading 3-1 in the conference semifinals, and so on.

“I was really disappointed in them because that’s not how I said it,” Rivers said. “I was really surprised at how sensitive they are, but I’m giving Klay the benefit of the doubt. I’m sure it was worded wrong in the question that was asked to him. I basically say it and I say it all the time. During the conversation, I said of my (Boston Celtics) team in 2008, you’ve gotta have some luck, things have to go your way. You need all that.

“But I respect Golden State a hundred percent. But I was surprised at how quickly they jumped on it. To each his own.”

Can this make the rivalry bigger?

“I don’t know if it can get any bigger,” Rivers said, “but I’m fine by that. Whether they likes us or we like them, doesn’t matter. They’re the champs and we want to be the champs.”

The Clippers play Nov. 4 at Golden State in the fifth regular-season game of this upcoming season. The Clippers will play host to the Warriors on Nov. 19 at Staples Center.