LA Clippers: 3 reasons fans should still have hope

May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) flies to the basket for a slam dunk over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the third quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) flies to the basket for a slam dunk over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the third quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to his three pointer with Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers in the third quarter during game one of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on May 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to his three pointer with Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers in the third quarter during game one of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on May 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

#3 reason why LA Clippers fans should still have hope: Ty Lue should have seen enough by now

If any Clippers fan is happy with the way Ty Lue has coached this series, let me know.

Lue has been getting killed for his coaching in these two games, and rightfully so.

Lue has made some questionable calls here, such as playing Serge Ibaka a total of 19 minutes so far in the series. Ivica Zubac has struggled defensively, so why isn’t the other center coming in?

Terance Mann has played with a lot of energy in this series, so why has he only played 15 minutes so far? Lue’s adjustments on defense have not panned out, so many would question whether to trust Lue going forward.

It’s also possible too, though, that Lue has now had a couple games to analyze if his ways are working, and now that he’s down 0-2, he could be more open to making more/different adjustments.

Lue doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt right now. It is possible, however, that he finally will acknowledge his faults and make the proper changes needed to excel moving forward.

He’s been facing a ridiculous amount of criticism, and maybe he’ll swallow his pride and understand that his current way isn’t working.

The Clips haven’t given us much reason for optimism this series, but there is still a glimmer of hope out there. Coming back from this is something that’s happened before, and can be done again.