INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) 鈥� missed his fourth game Tuesday night after recent back issues 鈥渋ntensified again,鈥� according to assistant Brian Shaw, who replaced him on the bench.
Shaw said the 47-year-old Lue had been getting better, and he was able to work Sunday's while wearing a hot pad on his shoulder.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all just hoping and praying that whatever it is they can get to the bottom of it and he鈥檒l be back to being him,鈥� Shaw said before the Clippers hosted East-leading Cleveland.
Lue watches his team on television and sends in-game messages to the other coaches, who relay them to Shaw.
Lue's back first against Sacramento, when gave the Clippers a 111-110 overtime win.
鈥淭hat game he asked me what the hell was I thinking when Kawhi held the ball for as long as he did,鈥� Shaw said.
It had been Lue's desire for the Clippers to take the last shot and live with the results.
鈥淚t worked out,鈥� Shaw said, smiling.
___
AP NBA:
The Associated Press
