Coaches relate to Riley’s plight

MIAMI — Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley announced Wednesday he would take an indefinite medical leave of absence because of ongoing hip and knee problems.

The Heat’s poor performance probably contributed to Riley’s decision.

The defending NBA champions have struggled because of injuries to key players and what Riley has described as their questionable work ethic. And things only worsened for Miami as it dropped its fourth in a row in a 110-95 loss to the Clippers at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Such is life coaching in the NBA.

“You’ve got to really enjoy what you’re doing because there are lots of ups and downs to the job,” said Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy, not commenting specifically on Riley’s situation. “You’ve got to fight through it and you’ve got to work.

“People don’t understand it’s physically demanding as well because of the basic late-night study and lack of sleep that goes into it. But you do it because you love it.”

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson underwent replacement surgery for his right hip Oct. 3 and returned in time to coach the team’s season opener Oct. 31. Jackson did not accompany the team on two trips early in November but has been on the sideline for every road game since.

“I do know it’s going to take him some time to get back at it, and I’m sure he wants to get back at it this season,” Jackson said of Riley. “It has not been an easy season for Miami. This has not gone well for them.”

Kobe Bryant would not be surprised if the Heat rebounded this season.

“It’s tough to deal with,” Bryant said. “They have several injuries, obviously, to key members. With him being out, it’s always tough. But they’re a championship team with championship character. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

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Guard Cuttino Mobley sat out Wednesday’s game because of the elbow injury he suffered in Tuesday’s loss to Orlando. Mobley is listed as day to day.

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Second-year forward Yaroslav Korolev played in a first half for the first time in a regular-season game. Korolev attempted one shot, which Heat center Alonzo Mourning blocked.

Times staff writer Mike Bresnahan contributed to this report.

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