Clippers Coach Tyronn Lue Out Again Due to Back Pain

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue missed his fourth game of the season on Tuesday night due to intensified back pain, leaving assistant coach Brian Shaw to lead the team against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lue’s recurring back issues first sidelined him on March 9 in a game against the Sacramento Kings, but he had hoped to return to full coaching duties after recently working through the pain with a hot pad during a win over the Charlotte Hornets last Sunday.

“We’re all just hoping and praying that whatever it is they can get to the bottom of it and he’ll be back to being him,” Shaw said before the game. Despite being away from the bench, Lue remains actively involved, communicating with coaches via in-game messages relayed by Shaw.

In addition to Lue’s absence, the Clippers were also without lead assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy due to a family medical matter. As Shaw took command of the bench, Dahntay Jones and Brendan O’Connor assumed roles on the front lines to assist with the defense.

“His back issues have intensified again,” Shaw said during the pregame news conference. “He was getting better last game, but we’re not sure about timelines yet.” Lue’s condition recently required an injection, highlighting the seriousness of his injury.

This comes at a crucial time for the Clippers (38-30), as they had just regained full rotation health following the NBA trade deadline. The team finally had all their key players available for the first time in weeks, including Kawhi Leonard and Ben Simmons, both returning from injury ahead of this significant matchup.

Shaw expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation, emphasizing both Lue’s influence and the coaching staff’s unity. Lue had expressed pride in how the coaching staff performed while he was away, guiding the team to two wins and a loss in his absence.

“The coaching staff did a great job going 2-1 while I was out,” Lue said prior to his previous game. “That’s why I think we have a great coaching staff, because they can fill in when needed.”

As the Clippers faced the Cavaliers — the top team in the NBA with a 56-11 record — they were well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The game marked their first meeting of the season, adding to the anticipation.

The Clippers aim to continue their push for the playoffs, maintaining an optimistic outlook despite the setbacks faced with their coaching staff. Following Tuesday night’s game, they will have a short break before taking on the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next outings.