Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged Thursday’s 105-99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans exposed transition and execution issues. “We missed a lot of free throws… had a lot of opportunities like three-on-twos, two-on-ones, four on twos, and just not capitalizing in transition,” Lue said, pointing to a recurring problem over the past few games.
Lue emphasized that effort was not lacking. “Overall I thought our guys competed at a high level; we just didn’t execute,” he said, noting that turnovers and missed free throws compounded the challenge. “Missing 13 free throws, turning over 16 times… we just didn’t execute.”
Highlighting individual contributions, Lue praised Derrick Jones Jr. for his all-around performance. “Everything he brings on both ends of the floor… getting to the free throw line, running the floor, putbacks,” Lue said. He also acknowledged John Collins’ leadership, saying, “Just a positive spirit… rebounding the basketball, running the floor… it’s going to come.”
Lue recognized the impact of limited lineups and injuries. “There’s going to be some mistakes… especially when you’re short-handed. We just didn’t capitalize, make the right reads, and make the right plays,” he explained.
The coach also commented on Jordan Miller, who started and logged 37 minutes. “I thought especially early getting to the free throw line, getting to the basket and making the right pass… he was just doing a good job of reading the game,” Lue said. He similarly highlighted Bogdan Bogdanovic, who contributed 16 points off the bench. “I respect Bogi… tonight we called his number, so I’m very happy he was able to play well,” Lue added.
Defensively, Lue noted progress against Zion Williamson. “JVG’s game plan… switching on the Zion one through five… it took away his rolls, it took away his angles,” he said. He added that the team still struggled with Trey Murphy III, who scored 27 points. “We let Murphy get away from us again tonight… the ones we just gave him when we overhelped, he made us pay every time,” Lue said.
The Clippers fell to 34-36 with the defeat, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Los Angeles managed 46% shooting and 31% from three but could not overcome New Orleans’ late surge, including a decisive 14-5 run capped by Zion Williamson’s layup.
The Pelicans improved to 25-46 and have won three straight, controlling the boards 47-39 while converting 82% of free throws. Los Angeles will face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, hoping to stabilize the lineup and capitalize on transition opportunities.
