A five-game losing streak, ten games into the season, is not an event that fans see from championship head coaches every season, and the fact that Tyronn Lue is at the center of one for the LA Clippers means his job is at stake. However, Clippers’ executives would also evaluate Lue’s decisions, and by starting John Collins tonight versus his former team, the championship head coach just saved himself from losing his position.
He could have had this decision ready in his agenda long before today, as the Atlanta Hawks once traded Collins, which left something to prove, or the goal may have been to try a different strategy with Bradley Beal and Kawhi Leonard out. But Lue showed his strength in following through on what is essential for the team.
Although the Clippers lost by three, 105-102, and Collins was disappointing, the championship head coach still owes the Wake Forest product more opportunities in the starting lineup.
Tyronn Lue should continue to start John Collins for the foreseeable future
As rebounding was a massive issue Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns, James Harden stepped up tonight with ten boards, which was a part of his triple-double, and so did John Collins with seven, ensuring that Ivica Zubac, who had 12, did not have to track down every one of them alone.
Thus, the Clippers were finally the team that outrebounded their opponent, even if it was only by one, 42-41.
Moreover, Collins started but was underperformed, scoring nine points on 3-11 shooting from the field and 1-6 from distance in 31 minutes. On the contrary, he did have the best block any Clippers fan has seen this season on Kristaps Porzingis in the fourth, with less than a minute left.
To give Collins the benefit of the doubt, there was likely a lot of nervousness going on mentally for him tonight. Clipper Nation has wanted him to start for weeks, adding pressure to thrive, and there were likely several faces on Atlanta’s sideline that he tried to impress.
Therefore, Tyronn Lue should accept these possibilities and allow Collins to start through what lies ahead. This will leave time to be the determinant, as his production will suggest if coming off the bench is better for the team.
That said, the Clippers play the Denver Nuggets next, and if Lue keeps Collins put, their best foot forward will be in ending their losing streak against a team that is 8-2 in their last ten.