Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue lauded his team’s ability to withstand a late Lakers rally in Thursday’s 112-104 victory at the Intuit Dome.
“I thought our guys just stay in the course and find a way to win the game,” Lue said, reflecting on the team’s composure after the Lakers cut a 26-point deficit to two midway through the fourth quarter.
Lue emphasized the importance of limiting turnovers. “We got to do a better job of taking care of the basketball. We was up 26, LeBron gets an offensive rebound, makes a three, we turn the basketball over, they score again, and then they kind of got momentum just off of our turnovers.”
The coach praised Ivica Zubac for his presence as a big man against a smaller Lakers lineup. “His ability to clean up missed shots around the basket, a couple kick outs for three, it was huge for us,” Lue said. Zubac finished with 18 points and 19 rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard returned from injury and scored 24 points. Lue described his performance as strong despite limited minutes. “I thought he looked really good. Especially to start the game in that first quarter, had some good pop,” Lue said.
The Clippers relied on depth and balanced scoring, with seven players reaching double figures. Lue singled out John Collins for clutch plays down the stretch. “JC just stayed the course. Didn’t get a lot of shots early, but he made three big winning plays… those are huge baskets down the stretch for us,” he said.
Lue also highlighted contributions from younger players. “Just good learning experiences for him and Kobe as well. Our young guys get an opportunity to play and taking full advantage of it,” he said, referring to Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders.
Despite the win, Lue admitted he wanted a more decisive outcome. “We got a team down 19 and a half, you know, we got to step on their throats and blow them out… we got to be better,” he said.
Lue praised his team’s energy and execution despite defensive pressure from the Lakers. “First half I thought we was really good… just continue to keep trusting the pass, making the right play,” he said. James Harden added 18 points and 10 assists, helping the Clippers execute efficiently.
Lue reflected on the heated moments late in the game, including an incident between Zubac and Vanderbilt. “When he comes in the game… he always comes in and changes the game for him. Every single time we have a big lead, when he comes in, he changes the game,” Lue said.
Thursday’s victory improves the Clippers to 20-24, marking their seventh win in eight games, while the Lakers fall to 26-17. Los Angeles will host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, while the Lakers begin a six-game road trip against the Mavericks.
