Humiliation Against Trae Young-less Hawks Not Wavering Clippers HC Ty Lue’s Confidence

The Los Angeles Clippers have been having a steady progression throughout the ongoing NBA season, leading them to be placed as the 4 seed on the points chart. However, with the playoffs approaching soon, the rival franchises have begun to step up their game and build up their momentum to not be placed in the play-in series. This was seen during the recent matchup between the Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks. Despite having lost 37 of their 67 games and playing without the presence of star player Trae Young, the Hawks recently pulled off an impressive performance to quash the Clippers’ momentum through a score of 110-93.

In the aftermath of the game, Clippers head coach Ty Lue reportedly put out a statement. Despite having lost to a team that is currently placed as the 10 seed, the coach expressed his belief in the Clippers by stating “My confidence doesn’t waver. We have a great team. We know we have a great team.”

The Atlanta Hawks had a good start to the game, scoring 30+ points during the first quarter and continuing the same during the second. With James Harden struggling to score throughout the night, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George led the offensive effort through their 28 and 26 points respectively. Despite this, the Clippers were unable to close the points gap created by their rivals, being down by 29 points at one point during the game. Even after having all the odds in their favour, the LA team probably didn’t account for the determination a losing team can possess.

Where do the Clippers stand after their loss against the Hawks?

According to an update by a FanNation journalist, the recent game marks the Los Angeles Clippers’ fifth notable loss since the All-Star Break. After blowing a 21-point lead against the Lakers, a 13-point lead against the Bucks, a 22-point lead against the Timberwolves and scoring only 4 points during the final 4 min against the Pelicans, one would have thought that the team would have learned their lesson by now. Unfortunately, it looks like such unexpected moments should not be placed out of consideration in the future.

Despite their loss, the Clippers continue to hold the 4 seed on the Western Conference points chart. With the New Orleans Pelicans being just two wins away, however, the team will have to continue maintaining their momentum so as to increase their odds of qualifying for the playoffs. The chances for the LA team to occupy a higher seed seems unlikely for now since the Timberwolves, with their 46-21 record, currently boast a four-win lead over them.

The Clippers’ next two games will be against the Portland Trail Blazers, who currently occupy the 14 seed on the Western Conference. This gives the team a good opportunity to secure a few more wins and continue holding their position. That is only if Ty Lue and his players do not overestimate that opportunity.

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