"Top 5 defensive team": Ty Lue says he will not accept any shortcomings on defensive end for Clippers
Tyron Lue expects the LA Clippers to dominate on defense this season. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are entering the season healthy. Neither have been at their best during their four seasons with the team. However, they're both high-level wing defenders and will be anchored by Ivica Zubac in the middle of the floor. The Clippers can potentially be a lock-down defensive team in the half-court.
The Clippers head coach wants his team to embrace the physical aspect of being an elite defense. He expects his team to play a high-pressure style, where they're pushing up onto ball-handlers and executing switches at pace:
"Defensively," Lue said via Sirius XM NBA Radio. "We have too much versatility defensively. We have too many guys that can defend well. Our mindset [is] we have to be a top-5 defensive team this year, no excuses. It starts with our physicality."
Lue continued:
"It starts with every time a guy touches the ball, we should be up touching. Not letting guys be comfortable. Rebounding the basketball, finish the possession. If we do that, we'll be a tough team to beat."
The Clippers have a deep roster. They have three legitimate stars: Leonard, George, and Russell Westbrook. Lue is an elite X's and O's coach with a personal touch to his leadership style. The Clippers have enough talent to contend for a championship if they remain healthy. Hanging their hat on defense is a solid recipe for success.
Russell Westbrook outlines his expectations for his upcoming season with the LA Clippers
Russell Westbrook is entering his first full season with the LA Clippers. He has struggled to dominate in recent seasons. However, Westbrook believes he can still be a nightly triple-double threat when given the opportunity. When asked whether he can "get back to himself," during a recent press conference, Westbrook gave a thoughtful answer:
"Everybody has their own representation of what is me getting back to me," Westbrook said. "And for me, I'm the only one that can set that table, in my opinion. Getting back to myself is getting back to averaging 21/11/12, which hasn't been done in how many years? Ain’t too many people did that but myself and somebody else.
He continued:
"And I’m the only one that did it 4 times...Coming into the season, I know who I want to be, I know what I want to do. And if I exceed those, then cool. If I don't, then I know I got some work to do."
If Westbrook can get close to his previous production level, he will elevate the Clippers to new heights. At his best, Westbrook can dominate a game. His ability to grab a rebound and instantly pressure the rim on offense is what made him such an elite talent during his prime. With so many offensive scorers around him this season, Westbrook's ability to push the pace and control the game will ensure his teammates are getting high-quality looks early in the shot clock.
The Clippers will open their 2023-24 season on Wednesday, October 24, when they face the Portland Trail Blazers.