NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Suns

Clippers

Tyronn Lue figured getting Kawhi Leonard back would stabilize things. It hasn’t.

The Clippers have dropped four straight since Leonard’s return and are sitting at 5-15 after losing at home to a struggling Mavericks team, as Janis Carr of The Orange County Register noted.

“I know we’ve had some tough circumstances in the last five years… but this year, it’s been tough,” Lue said.

He’s tried all kinds of lineup combinations. None have taken.

And with an aging roster, inconsistent health and a fan base calling for sweeping changes — including Lue’s job — the frustration isn’t limited to the internet.

“The situation here is difficult,” James Harden said. “We’re not making shots offensively. Defensively, we just allow game-plan mistakes… too many times.”

Spurs

While he rehabs a calf strain, Victor Wembanyama has been running the Spurs’ supporter section — “The Jackals” — from the sidelines, per Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News.

Wemby created the section himself and even chose its captains.

“He’s been committed and invested,” coach Mitch Johnson said. “His actions back up his words.”

Suns

Phoenix has flipped its script. After a 1-4 start and widespread predictions they’d miss the playoffs, the Suns have gone 11-5 since and currently sit at 12-9, good for seventh in the West.

Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic notes they’ve weathered their own injuries but continue to find ways to win.

Sustainable? We’ll see. But they’re fighting through the chaos better than most expected.