What happened: LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue evaluated the team's interior defense as a chain reaction of failures across pick-and-roll coverage, communication, physicality, and help rotations. Los Angeles currently surrenders the most paint points in the NBA and ranks last in rim protection. The assessment comes as the Clippers prepare to face a New Orleans Pelicans squad that leads the league in interior scoring.
Why it matters: Interior vulnerability has fueled an early slide for the Clippers, who sit 13th in the Western Conference at 1-7 following seven consecutive losses. Containing the lane is critical against the 4-5 Pelicans, who generate more paint scoring than any team in the league. Tightening frontcourt execution offers Los Angeles its most direct path to halting the slump.
By the numbers: The Clippers are 1-7 with seven straight losses through eight games in 2026-27, allowing the most paint points in the NBA. New Orleans enters at 4-5 through nine games, leading the league in paint scoring.
What to watch: The Clippers look to halt their seven-game losing streak against the Pelicans. Watch whether Lue adjusts frontcourt schemes to limit New Orleans at the rim.