Following a 131-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 5, the Los Angeles Clippers face elimination as the series shifts back to Los Angeles. In the post-game press conference, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the urgency of winning Game 6 but remained tight-lipped about any potential strategic adjustments.
“We gotta respond. We blew them out in Game 3. They came back and responded in Game 4. We gotta do the same thing,” Lue said, according to Joey Linn. “I don’t know what changes you could make. They made shots… Coming back home, Intuit will be rocking, we’ll be fine.” Lue also dismissed the suggestion that the Clippers lacked urgency in Game 5, stating that the team had “the right intent” and credited the Nuggets for their strong performance.
Will Intuit Propel the Los Angeles Clippers Over the Denver Nuggets?
While Lue may be downplaying potential changes to avoid providing the Nuggets with a competitive edge, the Clippers’ challenge is significant, particularly given Jamal Murray’s exceptional Game 5 performance. Murray, whose consistency has been a point of discussion since the Nuggets’ 2023 championship, delivered one of his most dominant games, scoring a game-high 43 points on 17-of-26 shooting, including 8-of-14 from beyond the arc. The Nuggets also received strong contributions from Aaron Gordon, who scored 23 points, and former Clipper Russell Westbrook, who added 21 points and three three-pointers in 25 minutes off the bench.
However, Clippers fans can find some optimism in the fact that several key offensive players had an uncharacteristically poor Game 5. Kawhi Leonard, who has been highly effective throughout the series, struggled, going 1-of-4 from three-point range and 3-of-7 from the free-throw line. James Harden and Norman Powell also had a combined 23 points on 1-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Clippers will look to capitalize on the home-court advantage in Game 6, which is expected to be a highly charged atmosphere at the Intuit Dome, hosting its first-ever elimination game. The team aims to force a Game 7 back in Denver.