Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue highlighted his team’s composure in Sunday’s 137-117 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. “It was a crazy game, you know, being up 18, like you said, them cutting to one. And then, you know, I thought offensively… we tried to play the right way,” Lue said, emphasizing how the team maintained focus despite the Pelicans’ rally in the third quarter.
Lue acknowledged early defensive struggles. “I just thought we were slow to the ball… they got downhill all night and put us in tough positions,” he said, noting adjustments that helped limit New Orleans’ transition opportunities.
Offensively, Lue praised the Clippers’ ball movement and shooting. “I thought we made quick decisions offensively… getting into the paint, making the right spray outs,” he said, noting the team attempted 36 three-pointers compared with 22–23 in previous games. Five players finished in double figures, including Kawhi Leonard with 23 points and Jordan Miller contributing 19.
The coach highlighted Miller’s ability to draw fouls and find rhythm. “He’s really good at attacking… drawing contact and also the sweepers,” Lue said, adding that Miller’s performance was key to sustaining the Clippers’ offensive flow.
Lue also pointed to transition as a focus against New Orleans. “We know they’re last in the league in transition defense… we had to get out early in transition and try to attack,” he explained, noting the importance of early stops in establishing pace.
The coach addressed ongoing adjustments for the team’s identity. “We still have a long ways to go… give your best, give your all, try to do things the right way, and then we’ll figure it out,” Lue said, underscoring the Clippers’ commitment to evolving offensive and defensive strategies.
On player management, Lue emphasized a measured approach. “That’s the biggest thing is just take it one game at a time… just seeing how guys were feeling and go from there,” he said, reflecting on a five-games-in-seven-days stretch.
Looking ahead to Darius Garland’s anticipated return, Lue encouraged patience. “Just don’t get frustrated… just come in, just try to find your rhythm, try to find your conditioning, play in the flow, be aggressive attacking, and then just playing your game,” he said. He confirmed Garland will have a role in pushing pace once acclimated.
Even after a dominant performance, Lue remained focused on improvement. “We scored 137 points and I didn’t think we played great offensively… defensively, we’ve got to be better… we’ve got to have that mindset every single night,” he said, reflecting a commitment to high standards on both ends of the floor.
The Clippers improve to 28-31 with the win, snapping a three-game losing streak, and will visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday, while the Pelicans head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Tuesday.
