Sunday’s Pacific Division clash between the Clippers and Kings had major playoff implications, with just half a game separating the two teams. The Clippers, holding onto eighth place at 34-29, faced a tough challenge from the ninth-seeded Kings.But before the game even heated up, the Clippers were hit with a curveball, they were without their head coach.
So where was Ty Lue? Head coach Lue had to leave due to back pain. Assistant coach Brian Shaw took over, making for an unusual sight in the NBA—coaches don’t usually check out mid-game.
The Clippers secured the win without Ty Lue on the sidelines. In a wild overtime finish, DeMar DeRozan briefly gave the Kings the lead with a pair of clutch free throws. But Kawhi Leonard had the last word, drilling a short jumper at the buzzer to seal a 111-110 victory.
Feb 6, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; From left; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jay Larranaga, assistant coach Brian Shaw, head coach Tyronn Lue and lead assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy look on from the bench in the final seconds of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Leonard put up 17 points and four rebounds but struggled from deep, hitting just 1-of-7 from three. James Harden nearly notched a triple-double with 29 points, 11 assists, and nine boards, while Ivica Zubac dominated inside with 22 points and 14 rebounds.
Between Lue’s unexpected exit and Leonard’s heroics, the game had plenty of storylines. And, of course, NBA Twitter had a lot to say about it.
Fans don’t want Ty Lue to return as he is too cautious
“We don’t need ty lue, f— we need now is OBAMA ” wrote one fan. This reaction might sound extreme, but it reflects a growing sentiment among Clippers fans—frustration with Ty Lue’s coaching and a longing for leadership that can guide the team through adversity. The mention of Obama is obviously tongue-in-cheek, but it speaks to the desperation some fans feel when watching the Clippers struggle with consistency.
The Clippers still pulled off the win without him, thanks to individual performances from Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac. But it raises a legitimate question: is Lue maximizing this roster?
Another netizen chimed in with, “Kawhi hitting a game winner is because Brian Shaw didn’t put him on a minutes Restriction like Ty Lue would have. “. Since arriving in LA, Leonard has dealt with load management and carefully monitored playing time due to his injury history. He has only played in 21 matches this season averaging 28.9 mins per game.
In Sunday’s win, Brian Shaw had no such restrictions in place. Kawhi played freely and was on the floor when it mattered most, ultimately delivering the game-winning shot.
Some fans argued that Ty Lue’s absence unlocked the team’s clutch potential. They claimed, “if Ty Lue wasn’t injured, 0 chance we won this game,” because his style often forces the Clippers to play overly safe. In their view, Lue’s careful, risk-averse approach can sometimes stifle that necessary aggression.
In this case, the Clippers’ win became proof that sometimes a little risk pays off.
if ty lue wasnt injured 0 chance we won this game
— #firetylue (@cocopowduh) March 10, 2025
“Maybe we don’t Need Ty Lue, I like how we playing right now” tweeted another user. While Lue has a championship on his resume, his rotations, minutes management, and in-game adjustments have often come under fire. Lue’s tendency to overthink matchups and rely on pre-set rotations has sometimes taken players out of their natural flow. Without him, the team looked looser, more aggressive, and confident down the stretch.
Of course, one game isn’t enough to discredit Lue entirely, but it raises questions.
One fan’s comment—“Yup I’m over Ty Lue. Bring in B Shaw @Steven_Ballmer”—hits home for many Clippers supporters. This fan’s call isn’t just about one game—it’s a demand for a coaching strategy that nurtures talent, remember Brandon Boston Jr., who was let go too soon? And build a lasting legacy, rather than one that leaves the best players off the floor when the stakes are highest.
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