Tyronn Lue Confident Clippers Can Make Noise If They Reach Playoffs
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LOS ANGELES — Despite a turbulent season and a dramatically revamped roster, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue says the franchise remains focused on winning.
“Man, we’re playing to win,” Lue said Friday before a 125-122 loss to the Lakers, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I don’t care if it’s young, old, toddlers—whoever’s on the floor, we’re trying to win. There’s no other reason to play.”
Rough Start Spurs Mid-Season Rally
The Clippers stumbled out of the gate at 6-21 as injuries mounted and preseason championship expectations quickly evaporated. In December, with his team near the bottom of the Western Conference, Lue challenged the group to finish the remaining schedule 35-20 to claw back to .500.
While Los Angeles has not fully met that target, the response has been emphatic. The club has gone 21-8 since the mandate, improving to 27-29 and re-entering the postseason conversation.
Roster Overhaul Brings Youth, Pace
The surge has coincided with significant personnel changes. Former MVP James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for guard Darius Garland, and center Ivica Zubac was sent to the Indiana Pacers for rookie wing Bennedict Mathurin. The moves injected youth and speed, leaving the rotation nearly unrecognizable from opening night.
Leonard’s Reality Check, Lue’s Optimism
Kawhi Leonard, the only remaining cornerstone from the original core, offered a blunt perspective when asked recently if the Clippers remain contenders. “I think it’s over now,” Leonard said. “Every day is a day to grow and get better.”
Lue viewed the remark as honesty, not surrender. “This is a different team,” he said. “We’ve got to play different.” Still, the coach likes his club’s chances if it can secure a postseason berth. “If I get in a series, I like my chances,” he added.
Source: Hoops Wire
