HC Tyronn Lue’s Solution to Improve Clippers’ Weak Defense: “Not Play OKC Again”

The Los Angeles Clippers lost their first game after the All-Star Break to the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-129. They had just won against the Warriors before the All-Star, but it seemed like the OKC was at a whole other level and the Clippers needed to work hard to beat them. And Ty Lue has the perfect plan in place. The OKC Thunder have indeed risen to the top this season riding behind their star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and top ROTY contender, Chet Holmgren.

Talking to the media post-game coach, Lue opined that their team could have done better with defense. And when LA Times reporter Brad Turner asked what could be done for the same, Lue had a hilarious response. “Maybe not play OKC again.”

All jokes aside, Coach Lue explained that the team did have a lot of possessions and plays in the paint. But because they did not make the right play, the Thunder managed to get their hands on “blocked shots” and “turnovers”. But he was quite happy with the overall result. “I thought we executed the game plan offensively. Defensively, we could have been a lot better,” Lue said.

The OKC for their part, took complete advantage of LA’s struggle.

The LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder

Shai, unsurprisingly, scored a game-high 31 points, helping his team pull off a dominant win. Tonight marks OKC’s third consecutive win and the first after the All-Star Break. Along with him, the rest of his starting mates scored in double figures that contributed to the victory. Chet Holmgren had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds while Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey landed 19, 18, and 12 points respectively, to finish the night.

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As Lue pointed out, the Clippers’ defensive incapacity was on full display as the Thunder capitalized on the same. Their third-quarter run is a prime example of this. The team had seven blocks in that period alone while limiting the Clippers to just 30.8% shooting. Out of the seven, Williams’ three blocks were what spearheaded OKC taking command over LA for the rest of the game.

The Clippers, for their part, had a strong start. But it didn’t last long. Kawhi finished with 20 points, two assists, and three rebounds. Right behind him was Ivica Zubac with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and an assist. Norman Powell also showcased a great performance as he contributed 19 points, followed by James Harden with 17, and Paul George chipping in 14.

Anyway, Lue’s hope of not playing OKC again will be fulfilled as tonight was their last matchup of the season. The Clippers will be facing the Grizzlies tomorrow. It shouldn’t be a hard battle seeing as they are one of the unfortunate souls this season.