LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reflected on Friday’s 119-108 victory against the Chicago Bulls, acknowledging moments of sluggish play.
Lue noted that the Bulls’ style posed challenges. “Their style of play gives us problems, you know, when they inbound the ball, push it with pace, attack the paint… it was really a one-on-one test and we didn’t do a good job with that, but we found a way to win the game.”
The coach praised the team’s improved ball control. “I think… understand hitting the first open man is the easiest… and then make a play from there,” Lue said. “We have done a good job of taking care of the basketball. That’s what allowed us to win some of these games just… getting more shots on goal.”
Regarding the Clippers’ ceiling, Lue emphasized a playoff-first approach. “Just make it to the playoffs, you know. That’s our mindset and then we’ll go from there,” he said. “We have a good group… playing hard and competing, playing for one another. Our main goal is getting into the playoffs and then go from there.”
Lue explained the team’s adjustments to Chicago’s defense. “They came out the first possession of the game and went zone… once we knew what they were kind of doing, we really was able to… execute against it.”
Isaiah Jackson’s impact drew particular praise. “His athleticism, his ability to rebound the basketball, offensive rebounds… his energy, his ability to switch one through five really slowed them down offensively,” Lue said. “That helped us gain the lead once we put him in the game.”
John Collins’ role was addressed in the context of a tight playoff race. “JC’s been a big part of this all year and his play once he started playing well really turned our season for us,” Lue said. “We kind of just see where he’s at minutes-wise, see how he feels and we’ll kind of go from there.”
On Kawhi Leonard’s consistency, Lue highlighted a historic milestone. “Tie McAdoo is a great accomplishment… it just says a lot about Kawhi, you know, when he’s healthy. What he’s done this year is… crazy.”
Bennedict Mathurin’s contribution off the bench also earned recognition. “Every team has a guy like that… reminds me a lot of Norm, scoring, getting downhill, getting to the basket… we need that scoring punch, and he’s been able to give it to us,” Lue said.
Friday’s win extended the Clippers’ streak to four games, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 28 points and Mathurin adding 26. Jordan Miller chipped in 14 points as Los Angeles improved to 34-32. The victory marked seven wins in eight games during their current run, solidifying the Clippers’ hold on a Western Conference play-in spot.
