Despite the LA Clippers coughing up a 13-point lead and losing Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns, Ty Lue, the team’s head coach, remains optimistic and believes that they can win the series. He echoed Kawhi Leonard’s sentiment that they are in a good place, having split the first two games on the road, and that they now need to protect their home court.
The Clippers’ confidence stems from their regular season record at Crypto.com Arena, where they had a 23-18 record. Even though the Suns handed them two losses at home during the regular season, Lue and his team are not fazed by what they’ve encountered in Phoenix. Lue believes that the Clippers can win the series despite the absence of Paul George.
Coach’s unwavering confidence is also reflected in his team’s mindset. They remain confident that with the stakes higher in the playoffs, they will be able to handle their business against the Suns. No one on the Clippers’ roster is intimidated by the Suns or the playoffs. They know that they have the talent and the experience to compete at a high level.
“We believe we can win the series.”
– Ty Lue pic.twitter.com/OzeproguHD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 19, 2023
The Clippers’ next two games are crucial as they will be playing in front of their home crowd. If they can defend their home court, they will be knocking on the door for a semifinal appearance. Lue is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but he is confident in his team’s ability to overcome them.
In the post-game press conference, the Head Coach stated that the Clippers believe that they can win the series. This belief is crucial as it will help them stay focused and motivated throughout the playoffs. The Clippers’ journey to the NBA Finals will not be an easy one, but Lue and his team are ready for the challenge. They know that they have what it takes to go all the way and bring the championship to Los Angeles.
Ty Lue coached Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook lead Clippers but need more help to win series against Suns
After a sensational Game 1, Kawhi Leonard delivered another impressive performance in Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns. The superstar forward led the LA Clippers with 31 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Russell Westbrook bounced back from a poor outing in the opener to add 28 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
However, the rest of the team struggled to make an impact, with Norman Powell, Eric Gordon, and Bones Hyland combining for just 50 points.
The Clippers head into Game 3 with a 1-1 split, but it’s clear that they need more support for Leonard and Westbrook. LA’s perimeter players will need to step up on both ends of the floor, particularly in defending the Suns’ star guard Devin Booker, who scored 38 points and dished out nine assists in Game 2.
It’s unrealistic to expect Leonard to carry the load on both offense and defense, especially against such a talented opponent.
To win the series, the Clippers will need to tighten up their defense and rely on their depth to make a difference. They cannot hope to match the Suns’ firepower, but they can certainly make life difficult for their opponents by playing tough, gritty basketball. Head coach Ty Lue remains confident in his team’s ability to win the series, but it’s clear that they have their work cut out for them.
