Cunningham: Lynam Took Fall for Clippers

PHILADELPHIA —  When the Clippers arrived here Tuesday to prepare for tonight’s game against Philadelphia at the Spectrum (4:30 PST), they saw critical comments in both local newspapers by 76ers Coach Billy Cunningham.

Cunningham, a friend of recently fired Clipper Coach Jim Lynam, said that Lynam had been the fall guy for the Clippers’ poor play.

“Obviously, none of the Clippers players felt their play had anything to do with (the coaching change),” Cunningham said. “They were content to say it was the coach’s fault. None of them were able to look in the mirror and say it was their fault. I think they get paid pretty well, don’t they?”

Lynam, a successful coach at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia a few years ago, was replaced by interim Coach Don Chaney a week ago. The Clippers are 0-4 under Chaney and have extended their losing streak to 10 games. They have lost 14 straight on the road.

It won’t get any easier, either, against the 76ers, who are 2-1 since Cunningham changed his starting lineup. Philadelphia’s new alignment has Bobby Jones starting in place of Charles Barkley at forward, and Clint Richardson for Andrew Toney at guard.