As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare for yet another high-stakes Game 7, Head Coach Tyronn Lue is embracing the moment with a calm confidence that comes only from experience. A veteran of multiple Game 7s—both as a player and as a coach—Lue knows exactly what it takes to survive and advance. On Friday, just 24 hours before tip-off, the Clippers’ head coach sat down with the media to share his thoughts on what it will take to come out on top Saturday night.
“This is what it’s all about,” Lue said with a determined tone. “Game 7. Two teams, one game, everything on the line. We’re ready.”
Lue’s Game 7 pedigree is impressive. He famously led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals, winning Game 7 on the road against the Golden State Warriors. Since then, he’s developed a reputation as one of the best in-game adjusters in the league, especially when the pressure is highest. That experience is something his players lean on in moments like this.
When asked about the keys to victory, Lue didn’t hesitate. “First, we’ve got to defend without fouling,” he said. “Denver is a team that thrives off free throws and rhythm. We need to be physical, but smart. Second, we’ve got to take care of the basketball. Turnovers killed us in Game 6. Every possession matters in a Game 7.”
Another focus? Controlling the tempo. “We want to push when we can, but we have to be disciplined in the half-court. Jokić can pick you apart if you give him too much time to operate. We need to keep him moving, make him work on both ends.”
Lue also emphasized the importance of role players stepping up. “Everyone remembers the stars, but Game 7s are often won by the guys who make the extra hustle play, hit a big three, or get that key rebound. We’ve talked about that a lot this week.”
As for the emotional side of the game, Lue believes it’s about staying even. “There’s going to be highs and lows. You can’t let the moment get too big. Stay poised, trust the work, trust each other.”
Lue’s message has clearly resonated with his team. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the rest of the Clippers have spoken openly about how much confidence they have in their coach’s leadership. In a league where coaching under pressure can define careers, Lue has earned the trust of his locker room through calm demeanor and strategic brilliance.
With the lights at their brightest and the basketball world watching, Tyronn Lue is right where he wants to be—on the sideline of a Game 7, focused, fearless, and prepared. And if his team follows his lead, they just might be the ones moving on Saturday night. 🎙️
