After a Game 7 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue shared his thoughts on the season’s end. The Clippers were routed 120-101, failing to recover after a dominant second-half performance by Denver. Despite the loss, Lue emphasized the team’s resilience and progress throughout the season.
“We came out with a decent mindset,” Lue said, acknowledging the team’s struggle against Denver’s zone defense. “But when they went to that zone, it just kind of slowed us down offensively.” He also pointed out that defensive lapses contributed to the loss, with Denver capitalizing on turnovers and easy transition baskets.
Looking back at the season, Lue took a moment to praise his players for their collective effort. “I’m proud of the guys and everybody in that locker room for what we were able to accomplish,” he noted. The Clippers had surpassed many external expectations, winning 50 games and securing the fifth seed in the West. Yet, Lue remained focused on the disappointment of a Game 7 exit, where the team fell short of their ultimate goal.
Lue highlighted key contributors like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, who battled through injuries to lead the team. “James did a great job of leading this group, and Kawhi came back and played like himself,” Lue said. Despite the challenges, the Clippers’ ability to stay competitive throughout the season was commendable.
Reflecting on the series, Lue also discussed the missed opportunities. “You look at the first four games, like, guys could have been up 3-1, maybe even sweeping,” he said, referencing missed chances that ultimately cost the team the series. “It’s frustrating to lose, but I’m not frustrated with the guys in the locker room.”
Looking ahead, Lue expressed hope for the future, particularly with the expectation of a healthy start to next season. “To start training camp with him healthy would be great for us,” he said, speaking of Leonard’s anticipated return to full health.
Though Lue’s immediate focus was on the disappointment of the Game 7 loss, he remained optimistic about the team’s prospects for next year.
