When it comes to the most pressure-packed moments in the NBA, nothing compares to a Game 7. The stakes are at their highest, every possession matters, and legacies can be shaped by just 48 minutes. In this elite, win-or-go-home environment, few head coaches have thrived the way Tyronn Lue has. With a perfect 4-0 record in Game 7s, Lue now stands second all-time in Game 7 wins without a lossātrailing only the legendary Red Auerbach, who finished his career 8-0 in such contests.
Lue’s success in these do-or-die matchups is a testament to his poise, tactical flexibility, and ability to motivate his teams when it matters most. His first Game 7 win came during the Cleveland Cavaliersā historic 2016 championship run, when they completed an unprecedented comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors. That Game 7 on the road in Oakland not only gave the Cavaliers their first NBA title but also cemented Lueās reputation as a clutch leader under the brightest lights.
Since then, Lue has continued to demonstrate his mastery of high-pressure situations. As head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, he guided the team through two more Game 7 victories in the 2021 playoffsāone against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, and another against the Utah Jazz in the second. His ability to make timely adjustments and put players in the right positions has earned him respect across the league, especially as he has consistently elevated his teams above expectations despite injuries or roster challenges.
Most recently, Lueās fourth Game 7 win came in the 2024 postseason, further reinforcing his elite status in the modern coaching landscape. No other active coach matches his Game 7 resume. While names like Erik Spoelstra, Steve Kerr, and Doc Rivers have more playoff games under their belts, Lue’s perfect Game 7 record speaks volumes about his command of critical moments.
What makes Lue’s feat even more impressive is the context: he hasnāt always had the benefit of a fully healthy roster, and often his teams have entered Game 7s as underdogs. Yet, heās consistently found a way to push the right buttons. Whether itās making bold rotation changes, drawing up crucial late-game plays, or empowering role players to step up, Lue brings a calm intensity that resonates throughout his teams.
Only Red Auerbach, the architect of the Boston Celtics dynasty in the 1950s and ’60s, boasts a better perfect Game 7 record. Auerbachās 8-0 mark spans an era vastly different from todayās game, but the comparison highlights just how rare it is for a coach to maintain such dominance in these high-stakes games.
Tyronn Lue may still have more to prove in terms of total championships, but when it comes to Game 7s, heās in rarified air. With each win, he not only adds to his legacy but also inches closer to one of the most impressive coaching records in NBA history. š„
