In a pivotal Game 6, Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue shared his thoughts on his team’s crucial 111-105 win over the Denver Nuggets, which extended the series to a deciding Game 7. Lue praised the resilience and adjustments his team made, particularly on defense, in their fight to stay alive in the first-round matchup.
When asked about his decision to play Nicolas Batum in the second half, Lue explained that he wanted to create a small-ball lineup with spacing, especially against Denver’s second unit. “I thought Nico responded well. We got to the small lineup, and it helped us get the lead,” Lue stated. This lineup gave James Harden and Kawhi Leonard more room to operate, a crucial factor in the Clippers’ offensive success.
Harden, who delivered a standout performance with 28 points and eight assists, set the tone early, while Leonard contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds. “James did a great job getting downhill, making the right play,” said Lue. Norman Powell also had an impactful game, scoring 24 points off the bench, including a key three-pointer late in the game.
Defensively, Lue highlighted the efforts of Ivica Zubac and Batum, who were tasked with limiting Nikola Jokic. Zubac played a critical role in guarding the MVP candidate one-on-one, staying disciplined throughout the game. Lue acknowledged that defending Jokic, who scored 25 points but struggled in the second half, is a challenging task: “If you double-team him, he’ll pick you apart. If you stay at home, he’ll score.”
Looking ahead to Game 7, Lue remains confident in his team’s ability to handle the pressure. “We just have to stay the course. Game 7 is going to be tough, but we’re ready for the challenge,” he said. The Clippers, facing a 3-2 series deficit entering Game 6, now have a chance to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals with a win on the road.
The Clippers’ defense, particularly their attention to detail in the second half, was a key factor in the victory. Lue noted that the team’s ability to lock in and execute their game plan helped them regain control after a tense fourth-quarter run by the Nuggets.
The game also marked another milestone for Harden, who played 46 minutes despite his age and previous workload. “I’m very impressed with him,” Lue remarked. “He’s in great shape and wants to compete.”
The winner of Game 7, scheduled for Saturday night at Ball Arena, will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. For Lue, his team’s defensive mindset will be crucial in securing the victory. “We’ve got to come out with a defensive mindset and be aggressive on offense,” Lue said, acknowledging the intensity that Game 7 demands.
