LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS MEDIA CONFERENCE

June 18, 2021

Tyronn Lue

Press Conference

Q. You've had a real emphasis this series drawing Gobert out of the paint and attacking the seams when they present themselves. How would you evaluate how you've done in that regard?

TYRONN LUE: We've gone a great job. I think after Game 2, understanding how we wanted to play, how we wanted to attack, our guys have done a great job. Rudy is a great shot-blocker and we know he protects the paint, Defensive Player of the Year but we know every time we drive he is coming and we're getting open shots. So we just have to step up and take those shots with confidence and hope we knock some down.

Q. What's been your approach this season on when you draw the line of getting on guys versus giving them the room to operate?

TYRONN LUE: I really don't get on guys that much. You know, just a lot of those guys will be themselves and allow them to play. I think when we are getting out-toughed or getting out-worked, that's when I get upset when teams are being more physical and I think teams are topping in that regard, that's when I get upset.

But as far as playing the game, there's going to be mistakes. You have to understand that. There's going to be missed shots. We've got to understand that. But every single night we should play with a toughness and a physicality and that's the only thing I pretty much get upset with.

Q. You said going into the series you were preparing for Conley to play. Obviously he hasn't through the first five games. What does an appearance from him tonight kind of -- how does that change things as far as how you approach what the Jazz can do especially offensively?

TYRONN LUE: Well, it changed their rotation. As far as their rotation, a couple guys came off the bench, but our game plan stays the same and if we have to adjust we will. We understand that they shoot at a high volume from the three-point range and we understand he can get to the paint and score.

So he brings a different dynamic to their team but we are not going to change anything. We just kind of see how he plays and what they are trying to do and what they are looking for and then we'll adjust from there.

Q. How is Kawhi? Any update on him?

TYRONN LUE: Yeah, he's fine. I mean, but he's not playing tonight. So that's the only update I have for you.

Q. You don't have any other news about how far out it might be?

TYRONN LUE: No. No, ma'am.

Q. What are some of the lessons you think your team learns from close-out games between last season and this season, you guys have had a handful of them.

TYRONN LUE: Yeah, I don't know. I'm not sure. I wasn't the coach last year.

But I do understand that we are in a good place and we understand what it takes and what we're trying to do. Last year is behind us and we're just looking forward.

So we understand we've got a tough game ahead of us tonight and that's all we're focused on.

Q. Curious what has it meant to you for your guys to weather the storm the way they have and bounce back after Utah's hot shooting nights in the first half -- making 17 threes the other night in the first half.

TYRONN LUE: It means a lot. I think just shows the resilience that our team has, the fight that we have, and you know, some nights, guys are going to get hot. Teams are going to get hot and you have to be able to adjust and take away things that they are doing. It's been all season long. Seems like we are down now and our backs are against the wall and we always perform.

That wasn't any different in Game 5 in Utah. I thought our guys came together, stuck together. There was a lot of shots in that first half and was able to make some adjustments in the second half and hold those guys to 3-from-24 from the field from the three-point line. The game is a roller coaster and we understand that. Just have to stay even keel, stay poised and understand that you have to execute on both sides of the basketball to be effective and I thought we did that the second half.

Q. Want to know how you feel about having a full capacity of fans today? It's the first time since March of 2020.

TYRONN LUE: It feels great, having our fans back in the building. We talked early on, we've been at a disadvantage in the playoffs because Dallas and Utah pretty much had full capacity and we were only allowed 7,000. It's great to have our fans back in the building. Got a chance to experience and do something special tonight and we understand that, so we want to lock in and focus and elevate and bring a lot of energy that we need.

Q. What's the vibe of the team like today through shootaround and walk-throughs today? How did the team look to you and how are you guys feeling? How do you think they are feeling?

TYRONN LUE: Everyone is locked in and focused. We understand we won a big game in Utah but the series is not over. They are a great team. They didn't have the No. 1 rank in the NBA for no reason and now they have Conley coming back tonight. We understand it's a tough task and we have to be locked in. I think we are focused and ready to go and up for the challenge.

Q. As you know, as I spoke about last time, the team plays best with their backs up against the wall. Can you mimic that type of environment or situation?

TYRONN LUE: Our backs are against the wall now. We have to win the series. You know, so playoffs is your back's against the wall all the time. Like I said, we've learned. We were upset that we learned. We were upset that we had to take those 2-0 deficits to start the series but we found ways to win. We found ways to claw back. We made adjustments and our team has been great at picking up the adjustments and understanding what we are trying to do.

So tonight is going to be a big game. Up 3-2 at home for Game 6, you know mwe've got to come out and play well and get off to an early start.

Q. You have three guys in Kennard, Jackson and Morris have all been No. 1 options at one point in their career on different teams. How much did that help them and does that help as you try to replace Kawhi's scoring?

TYRONN LUE: It does help. Luke's come a long way from when he first got here early on in the season, just trying to fit in instead of being himself. The last third of the season I thought he did a great job of just being who he is, looking to score the basketball, being aggressive the shoeing the basketball because he's a great shooter.

Reggie, he got to Detroit, but him and Drummond, they were the No. 1 pick-and-roll duo in the league. He's been in that position before where he had to carry a team.

And then Twin, he's been great, being in Boston and being in New York, having a chance to score the basketball and being an offensive threat, he's done it his whole career. Having those three guys has been huge, and like I said, we are going to need them again tonight.