Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reflected on Monday night’s 121-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, highlighting matchup issues against the Grizzlies’ big men.
“When you have fives that can pick and pop… sometimes the game’s a little too fast for him,” Lue said, referencing challenges in defending Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jock Landale.
Lue pinpointed Memphis’ perimeter shooting as a critical factor. “Cam Spencer made some tough shots… we knew he was a good shooter, made six threes last game… he made big shots tonight,” he said, noting the difficulty in containing hot shooters off the bench.
The Clippers coach acknowledged offensive struggles in the second and third quarters. “We didn’t score, especially to start the second quarter… we turned the basketball over and were unorganized,” Lue said, admitting lapses in execution allowed Memphis to pull away.
Mental toughness emerged as a key concern for Lue. “When it gets hard, you’ve got to get tougher… not get discouraged when you miss a couple shots or turn the basketball over,” he said, emphasizing the need for resilience during challenging stretches.
Lue also addressed the difficulty in integrating Ivica Zubac into the offense. “Every time he touches the ball, they double team him… you tell me,” he said, acknowledging how Memphis’ defense limited their center’s effectiveness.
The coach praised his players’ effort despite obstacles. “Jordan [Miller] was able to attack, get to the free throw line… our young guys played well… overall just got to continue to get better with a small lineup,” he said, pointing to contributions from the second unit.
Los Angeles fell to 6-20 and dropped its eighth consecutive home game at Intuit Dome, struggling to match Memphis’ physicality and ball movement. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 21 points, while James Harden was held to 13 points in a challenging matchup.
Memphis improved to 12-14, led by Jackson’s 31 points and Cam Spencer’s 27 off the bench. The Grizzlies dominated the paint, forced turnovers, and maintained control in the second half, shooting 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range.
The Clippers will visit Oklahoma City on Thursday seeking answers, while Memphis travels to Minnesota to build on its momentum. Lue stressed the need for mental stability and effort as the team navigates a difficult stretch.
