LOS ANGELES — Amir Coffey has started twice in place of injured Clippers star Kawhi Leonard in their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks and with each pass and basket made, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue has seen a change in his confidence level.
“He’s always been able to attack in transition. He can make a shot,” Lue said. “He used to run more pick-and-roll when Kawhi (Leonard) and PG (Paul George) were out but he can defend. He can defend multiple positions.
“So, just his confidence, I think his growth, understanding the NBA game, understanding what we need from him on a nightly basis, and he’s grown, and he’s gotten better and better. So, it’s just good to see that he could finally be in the rotation and get consistent minutes too.”
Coffey started his third playoff game Wednesday as Leonard was ruled out the day before because of chronic inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. Although he hasn’t posted big numbers (averaging 3 points, 1.8 rebounds, .5 assists), Coffey’s presence has bolstered the Clippers’ defense.
“First couple of years I wasn’t playing as much, so it’s kind of just accumulated off the court in these past one or two games, being able to show my game to my coaching staff and my teammates,” Coffey said of his self-assurance after Game 1. “So, I guess it’s just kind of been growing a little bit.”
His teammates have noticed. Terance Mann said Coffey never let doubt creep in, staying positive despite limited minutes.
“A lot of guys in his position, they get uncomfortable with having to wait and they either just stop going to the gym or just start worrying about other things, letting the outside noise get into their ear,” Mann said. “He never did that. He stayed locked in, stayed patient throughout the whole way.
“I think it was his third year, he had a great year, and then the next year he wasn’t able to play that much, and a lot of guys would let that get to them, but he stuck…
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