Clippers Head Coach Tyronn Lue talks about the matchup with Donovan Mitchell and the difference between him and Luka Doncic
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The Los Angeles Clippers seem to be forming a pattern. In both the playoff series this year, they have lost the first two games and then proceeded to win Game 3. The only difference was that in the series against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, they lost the first two at home. However, it seems like Game 7 of the Mavericks series lifted the Staples Center curse for the Clippers.
The Clippers secured a dominant 132-106 victory at home, to register their first win in the series. Kawhi Leonard led the way, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Paul George chipped in with 31 points as well. Donovan Mitchell looked like he was about to have another huge game, as he scored 30 points in 32 minutes before he left the court due to injury.
The Clippers appeared like the better team tonight, as they outplayed the Jazz overall.
Coach Tyronn Lue calls Donovan Mitchell better than Luka Doncic
The Clippers had a nightmare in the first-round playoff series. His name was Luka Doncic. Luka was playing at just a higher level than the rest of the players and was seemingly unguardable. He averaged 35.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists in the 7 game series. In the second round, the Clippers are faced yet again with such a troublemaker. Donovan Mitchell has been averaging 37.3 points per game and has the tendency to hit the shot just when it is needed.
However, according to Tyronn Lue, it is harder to guard Spida. When asked about the two stars in an interview, Ty Lue said that the Clippers need to perform better 1 on 1 to hold Mitchell.
Ty Lue on Donovan vs. Luka: “He’s faster, and it’s hard to try to blitz him, so we just gotta do a better job … one on one.”
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) June 12, 2021
It surely is said without aiming any disrespect at Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old Slovenian sensation made life hard for the Clippers, but it seems like Donovan is making it just harder. The Jazz take on the Clippers for Game 4 on Monday.