Clippers sack interim coach Hughes

The Los Angeles Clippers sacked interim head coach Kim Hughes on Thursday, saying on their website they were already looking for a coach to lead them into the next NBA season.

Hughes took over as interim coach for Mike Dunleavy on February 4 after seven seasons as an assistant.

Dunleavy had stepped down as coach to focus exclusively on his general manager duties, then he and the team severed ties completely on March 8.

The Clippers went 8-25 under Hughes, capping another losing season on Wednesday with a 107-91 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who rested superstar Kobe Bryant for the playoffs.

The Clippers finished with a 29-53 record, missing the postseason for the 15th time in 17 years.

Their 8-33 record on the road was their worst away record since they went 5-36 in 1999-2000.

Hughes's stint at the helm started with a five-game losing streak. Despite the difficulties, and the fact that his contract was due to expire on June 30, he said Wednesday he loved his first spell as a head coach.

"It's fun, you're working under stressful situations, your hands are tied sometimes.

"I got the opportunity I wanted and deserved."