Tyronn Lue highlighted challenges with offensive rebounds after the Clippers’ 119-115 loss to the Spurs on Monday. “Castle had a charge, just his toughness, bulldogging guys under the basket and getting the rebounds,” Lue said.
He stressed the need to control basics. “At halftime, things we can control is offensive rebounds and turnovers… first half we had 11 turnovers, it’s tough to win against a good team like this,” Lue explained.
Lue praised the energy of his bench unit in the third quarter. “The young guys came in… Cam Christie, Kobe Sanders… our energy was really good in that third quarter to come back and cut the lead,” he said, acknowledging a brief surge that brought the deficit down from 24 to four points.
The coach addressed high-risk passes that contributed to turnovers. “Just being solid, making an easy play… we don’t want to turn the basketball over, especially when you’re short-handed when Kawhi’s not playing,” he noted.
He also spoke on John Collins’ performance. “We needed him to shoot more threes… he made the right decisions, the right reads… missed a few layups around the basket that he normally makes, but he’s only going to get better,” Lue said.
Regarding Darius Garland’s career-high turnovers, Lue emphasized learning from the experience. “We’re going to watch it together… go over the turnovers, go over the shots… where can be more efficient and where we can be better,” he explained.
Spacing and pace were also discussed. “Our spacing was bad last game… we got to be better with our spacing so he can make better and easier reads as well,” Lue said. He added that moving Victor Wembanyama on the perimeter was part of a strategy to open shots. “Keep him in the action… now guys will have open shots… Kawhi wasn’t playing, so that hurt us,” Lue explained.
Lue noted adjustments at the small-ball five position. “John’s ability to make shots, roll to the basket, a live threat, and a good rebounder… just trying anything, seeing what group plays well together, what group can bring the energy,” he said.
Finally, Lue praised the Spurs as a well-rounded team. “All their guards can defend… Fox can score 28-30 any night, Castle 20-25… Wemby cleans up any mistakes… really good team, well constructed,” he said, highlighting their 50-win season.
