Turnover Woes, But Clippers Believe

Coach to retain rotation for Game 2, saying they are in good shape despite Game 1 loss

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DENVER - The Los Angeles Clippers did a lot of things right in Game 1 of their National Basketball Association (NBA) Western Conference first-round play-off series, but one area cost them the win against the Denver Nuggets.

Los Angeles had 20 turnovers on April 19, including seven by Kawhi Leonard, in a 112-110 overtime loss. Because it was just one issue, the team are encouraged and not discouraged heading into Game 2 on April 21 (April 22, Singapore time) in Denver.

"We're in good shape; we just have to do what we're supposed to do," said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue.

Lue does not plan to make any adjustments to his rotation after his team dictated the tempo and held the Nuggets to 49 points in the first half.

He said on April 20: "We have another half of what we did (on April 19). If it doesn't work, something will be done."

What was working was James Harden's play, Ivica Zubac's presence inside and Leonard's 22 points on nine-for-15 shooting.

The Clippers attacked the rim early in the game, producing 36 points in the paint by half-time, but went away from that strategy at times in the second half.