Clippers are facing possible big changes
Together for six years now, Chris Paul and Blake
Griffin have yet to make it past the second round of the playoffs. Heck, the Los Angeles Clippers haven’t even gotten out of the first round two years running.
And that’s not the worst of it.
The Clippers are the first team in NBA history to blow a series lead in five consecutive playoff appearances.
“Once again, we’re done,” a dejected Paul said. “Too many times.”
Their latest failure came Sunday, a 104-91 loss in Game 7 at home against the Utah Jazz. After six closely contested games decided by an average of 5.1 points, the Clippers turned in a flat effort with their season — and perhaps future — at stake.
They fought all season to earn home-court advantage only to lose three of four to the Jazz at Staples Center. Their 2-1 series lead vanished along with Griffin, who went down with a season-ending toe injury in Game 3.
He wasn’t around to watch the team’s demise, having traveled to consult with a doctor about possible surgery.
Whether Griffin’s around next season is one of the big questions facing the franchise.
Griffin and Paul can opt out of their contracts this summer. J.J. Redick — who made one basket in Game 7 — becomes a free agent.
For his part, third-year owner Steve Ballmer would have to shell out upward of $200 million, including the luxury tax, to keep the trio together.
“We’ve been reading about our obituary for about three months now,” coach Doc Rivers said. “I’m sure everyone will have their own suggestions.”
Brown, not Kerr, coaches Warriors in Game 1
the Warriors practice on Monday. Mike Brown ran it again. The team won’t be providing daily health updates on Kerr.
They are allowing him to take his time while getting his health issues sorted out.
Brown coached Game 1 of Round 2 on Tuesday night against the Jazz. He most likely will also coach beyond Game 1 as well.
“The way we look at it is — plan on him not coming back,” Draymond
Green said. “That’s the way we’re approaching this thing. We’re not going to sit here and say if we can get to the conference finals, Steve may be back for the conference finals or if we get to the Finals … nah. Mike Brown is our coach, we have the rest of our staff and that’s what we’re rolling with.”
Kerr remains a fixture in coaching meetings and, Brown said, the two have daily phone conversations discussing practice plans, opponent scouting and rotation patterns.