Tyronn Lue focused on process over results after the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away late for a 118-101 win against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night at Intuit Dome.
Los Angeles attempted 51 three-pointers, the second-most in franchise history, and Lue said the volume itself was not the issue. “If they’re good shots, you know, the good shots, you know, you got to take those shots,” Lue said, while adding that missed looks fueled Utah’s transition offense.
The Clippers built a 21-point first-quarter lead before allowing the Jazz back into the game, and Lue pointed to defensive slippage once shots stopped falling. “Once we started missing shots, we let it affect our defense,” he said. “We wasn’t into the basketball. We wasn’t physical.”
Utah scored 58 points in the paint, a number that stood out to the coaching staff postgame. “Back cuts, offensive rebounds, you know, getting to the basket, and we didn’t do a good job with that,” Lue said when reviewing how the Jazz found rhythm.
The head coach credited Utah’s approach and highlighted the impact of Isaiah Collier. “He’s fast, he’s explosive, he’s strong, and, you know, he creates a lot of havoc once he’s getting downhill,” Lue said, noting how penetration forced rotations and opened space.
When the game tightened, the Clippers leaned heavily on Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 45 points and scored 20 in the fourth quarter. “Of course, Kawhi came through tonight and bailed us out again,” Lue said.
Leonard attempted 29 shots and 16 three-pointers, numbers that reflect a shift in his offensive profile. “Taking the threes off the dribble is what he’s implemented over the last year,” Lue said. “It’s something he’s been working on. So we do need those shots.”
Lue emphasized that the change is rooted more in Leonard’s development than roster construction. When asked directly, he responded, “Yes, sir,” confirming the evolution is intentional.
The coach also praised the energy of young contributors, particularly Yanic Konan Niederhauser. “For Yanic to have 10, 11 rebounds… six offensive rebounds, just playing hard and just you know great energy,” Lue said of the rookie’s extended fourth-quarter run.
John Collins’ impact came mostly on the defensive end, according to Lue. “The reason why we got out to that big lead was because of him defensively,” he said, citing rim protection, rebounding, and activity as tone-setters.
The win capped a stretch in which Los Angeles has matched its win total from the season’s opening months. Lue credited humility and daily work. “Keep putting the work in… keep stacking days,” he said.
Despite the six-game winning streak, Lue stressed patience. “We’re working our way towards it,” he said when asked about becoming a consistently good team.
Los Angeles hosts the Boston Celtics on Saturday, while Utah continues its road trip against the Golden State Warriors.
