Clippers coach insists pursuit of wins remains unchanged amid major roster changes
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LOS ANGELES — Tyronn Lue says the LA Clippers’ approach has not shifted, even after a turbulent season that reshaped the roster and threatened the team’s preseason expectations.
“We’re playing to win,” Lue said Friday before facing the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. “I don’t care if it’s young, old, toddlers … whoever’s on the floor, we’re trying to win.”
The declaration came with the Clippers sitting at 27-28, one victory shy of a .500 record. The climb follows a 6-21 start that left the club in disarray after injuries, front-office drama and two significant trades.
Injuries and investigations
The season’s problems began when Bradley Beal sustained a season-ending hip injury. Chris Paul was then cut off from team activities, and Kawhi Leonard missed extended time with a sprained ankle while the NBA investigated an endorsement deal that allegedly skirted salary-cap rules.
Midseason makeover
In December, with the team 15 games under .500, Lue publicly challenged his players to close the campaign at least 35-20 to reach 41-41. Since that vow, Los Angeles has gone 21-7.
Along the way, management traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for guard Darius Garland, who has yet to debut for the Clippers, and sent center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for wing Benedict Mathurin.
Leonard’s tempered outlook
Leonard has powered the recent surge, guiding wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets and finishing second in NBA All-Star Game MVP voting. After a 115-114 victory over Denver on Thursday, however, he downplayed championship talk. “I think it’s over now,” he told reporters, describing the season’s final stretch as a time to “grow, learn and get better.”
Lue interpreted Leonard’s comments as recognition of the roster overhaul. “When he first got here, you had PG, Kawhi, James, Russ and Zu,” the coach said. “Now, having a younger team, we have to play different, do things better.”
Playoff push remains the target
Despite a crowded Western Conference, Lue maintains confidence in his players, staff and the franchise’s culture. “Why wouldn’t you want to play to win? Our goal is to make the playoffs, and if we do, and I get in a playoff series, I like my chances,” he said.
Source: ESPN
