INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The LA Clippers faced a setback on Tuesday as head coach Tyronn Lue sat out their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, hindered by worsening back pain.
Lue has previously missed a stretch of games this month for the same ailment. During his absence, the Clippers managed a 2-1 record under the guidance of assistant coach Brian Shaw. Shaw led the team to victories over the Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat, but couldn’t secure a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Even when we’re apart, our coaching staff remains in constant communication,” Shaw shared during the pregame media session. “We collaborate over the phone now, pooling our insights to devise the best strategies to ensure the players’ success. Although Tyronn and I have our differences, he trusts my game-time decisions and instincts.”
Additionally, assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy was absent from Tuesday’s game due to a family medical issue.