Ty Lue Makes Unexpected Starting Lineup Decision in Clippers-Nuggets Game 6

LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue made a surprising lineup decision against the Denver Nuggets for Game 6

Mar 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue talks to LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the 3rd quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets blew out the LA Clippers in Game 5 on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 series lead. Now, the Clippers have their backs against the wall as they head back to LA for a win-or-go-home Game 6 on Thursday night.

The Clippers embarrassed themselves on Tuesday, never really having a chance as Nuggets star point guard Jamal Murray erupted for 43 points. One of LA's biggest issues is that they keep having to dig themselves out of a self-inflicted hole, mostly due to poor starts.

Many people expected Clippers head coach Ty Lue to make a starting lineup change for Thursday's Game 6 to help prevent their slow start, but after consideration, he decided to keep it the same.

Ty Lue said he considered a starting lineup change but is not making one for Game 6.

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) May 2, 2025

The Clippers have started the same group in every game of this competitive first-round series against the Nuggets: James Harden, Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac. This is the same five that the Clippers will be rolling with in Thursday's season-deciding Game 6.

Starting 5⃣ vs. @nuggets

🏀 James Harden
🏀 Kris Dunn
🏀 Norman Powell
🏀 Kawhi Leonard
🏀 Ivica Zubac pic.twitter.com/8vml1ZC0wY

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 2, 2025

Of course, it is risky to change their starting lineup in a dire must-win situation, but it seems like a change is needed. The Clippers desperately need a better start on Thursday so they do not have to spark a comeback attempt just to stay in the game, but in Lue's defense, this group has shown they are capable of that.

Lue may not be changing the starting lineup on Thursday, but many expect the rotation to be adjusted accordingly.

The Clippers and Nuggets are facing off at 10:00 p.m. ET in LA on Thursday.