Despite being the only team excited but far from settled with a 12-22 record, the LA Clippers went on a six-game win streak, which still has them outside of the play-in tournament. It will likely take a few more wins to squeeze in, and a lot more to prosper from there. Thus, the overlooked genius with words strong enough to guide Tyronn Lue toward victory is Jeff Van Gundy, the league’s best assistant coach in 2024-25.
The eyes of the defense are Van Gundy’s. His words are like magic: he can spot a hole in the defense and inform Lue of the adjustment, and without hesitating or thinking twice, the head coach will immediately pay close attention with a sharp, alert mindset.