Once again, the Los Angeles Clippers faced a double-digit deficit that seemed too much to overcome. Once again, the Clippers proved otherwise.
By prevailing in Game 6 of their second-round series against the Utah Jazz after fighting off a 25-point deficit, the Clippers became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 0-2 series deficit in consecutive series. With the Clippers facing the Phoenix Suns beginning Sunday in the franchise’s first ever Western Conference finals, the Clippers have attributed the team’s resiliency to head coach Tyronn Lue.
“T-Lue has made adjustments after adjustments,” Clippers star Paul George said. “I got to give most of the credit to him and the guys just doing whatever it takes.”
The Clippers had no other choice. They have missed All-Star Kawhi Leonard in Games 5 and 6 against Utah because of a sprained right knee. Leonard did not travel with the team to Phoenix, and has been ruled out for Game 1. Though Lue said Leonard could return for Game 2, Lue conceded that “we have to prepare like he’s not playing” in the series.
Not only has George elevated his game during Leonard’s absence, so have a handful of role players, including Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson, Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris Sr. and Luke Kennard….
