Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue appreciated his team’s depth and adaptability following Friday’s 121-117 overtime win against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. “All of our young guys coming off the bench – TyTy, Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, Yan – were all big for us because they can match the intensity defensively, get in the paint, make plays and handle the pressure,” Lue said.
Lue emphasized the challenge of Toronto’s full-court pressure and defensive switches. “It’s difficult, especially when you pick up in all four positions and the center can also switch. It makes it difficult for your attack. But as the match went on we got better and understood how we wanted to play and attack,” he explained.
He praised the Clippers’ ability to overcome double-digit deficits twice in the game. “Jordan Miller was great off the bench. Cam was also very good off the bench. When James got a chance to rest, our young guys really held onto it. TyTy did a good job controlling the tempo, getting us into our sets, and Zu fought through like he always does,” Lue said.
The coach also discussed the strategic use of a twin tower frontcourt with Brook Lopez and Ivica Zubac. “We were just trying to find something that would give us momentum. Brook and Zu together were huge – communicating, protecting the rim and also contributing offensively,” he said.
Lue noted James Harden’s impact on the team’s performance, especially down the stretch. “He’s huge. We wanted him to get off the ball to start, not to tire him out. He played a whole game like he needed to, made mistakes, got clutch buckets and held his own defensively. You’ve got to love that about him,” Lue said.
Despite missing key players like John Collins, Lue emphasized the team’s adaptability and focus. “JC wanted to play, but we thought it was smart to protect him. Our guys hung in there, didn’t give in, came back from behind and competed every night,” he said.
Harden led Los Angeles with 31 points and 10 assists, while Jordan Miller scored 19, Zubac recorded a double-double of 16 points, 14 rebounds and Cam Christie added 16 points. The Clippers improved to 18-23 overall, winning five straight games and twelve of their last fourteen games since a 6-21 start.
Toronto, which led 109-101 with 3:35 remaining in regulation, saw Scottie Barnes score 24 points and Brandon Ingram add 19 points, but critical turnovers and late-game execution errors led to their 25-18 record. The Raptors visit the Lakers on Sunday, while the Clippers travel to Washington on Monday.
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