Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue praised Darius Garland’s impact in Monday’s 114-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, highlighting adjustments and team growth.
“Yeah, it’s great. A guy can push the pace, can run pick and roll, can get to where he wants to get to on the floor, can run a lot of different options,” Lue said, emphasizing Garland’s versatility.
Garland, playing nearly 23 minutes off the bench in his Clippers debut, scored 12 points despite early turnovers and defensive traps.
“Yeah, it was my fault. We put him in 77s and they were jump switching to a blitz… in the second half the adjustment was just single pick middle of the floor, let him go either way, let him operate,” Lue explained.
Lue praised Garland’s chemistry with Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn.
“Just getting to the paint, open up Kawhi, got a three on the left wing from penetration… he was able to make the right play,” he said, adding that rotations and roles will evolve with time.
The coach also singled out rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser for his second-half impact.
“He was a game changer. His ability to roll to the basket, offensive rebounds, but the biggest thing is defensively challenging every shot, blocking shots at the rim,” Lue said.
Looking ahead, Lue sees continued development for Niederhauser.
“The next step is like he can shoot the basketball. Picking and popping, spacing, taking threes… he can put the ball on the floor, we just have to see,” he said.
Lue highlighted Dunn’s two-way contribution.
“A winner. Whatever it takes to win. Take charges, dive on the floor, guard the best player… he’s going to do,” he said of Dunn, who finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Leonard, who had 23 points, adjusted after a slow first half.
“He did a good job in the second half of playing faster, playing quicker, getting to his spots,” Lue said, noting the importance of tempo against defensive pressure.
The Clippers overcame a 17-point deficit, outscoring Golden State 63-44 after halftime, despite shooting just 9-for-31 from 3-point range.
Lue emphasized physicality and defensive intensity as keys to the comeback.
“A lot more physical, a lot better defensively, and that’s what turned the game for us,” he said.
Los Angeles hosts Indiana on Wednesday, while Golden State begins a three-game road trip Thursday in Houston, with injuries continuing to shape rotations.
