Throughout one of the worst starts to a regular season that fans can even remember, the LA Clippers were helpless from start to finish, as the Utah Jazz were walking right over them. The Clippers tried to find something by attempting to get Kawhi Leonard involved, but that never worked, and in the postgame presser, head coach Tyronn Lue recognized his mistake.
Asked Tyronn Lue about Kawhi Leonard's listless performance, especially when it came to defending Lauri Markkanen
— Law Murray 🎃 (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 23, 2025
T. Lue said that he has to look at it, but added: "It's my job to keep Kawhi engaged in the game offensively" pic.twitter.com/e3gacD3ALh
Furthermore, Lue mentioned that he failed in his mission to get Leonard to a point where he is the focal point of the offense and keep him there. This backs up Leonard's performance, which was, by far, one of the most unexpected box scores in the NBA on Wednesday night.
In fact, Leonard finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists, shooting 33% from the field and 20% from a distance. Additionally, his +/- of -25 was a team-low in the 21-point loss.
That said, tonight against the Phoenix Suns, the first and primary point of his game plan should be to set Leonard up with perfectly drawn plays.
Tyronn Lue must anticipate a Phoenix Suns squad that will be focused on containing Kawhi Leonard
To start tonight's contest, Tyronn Lue should expect Dillon Brooks to shadow Kawhi Leonard the whole game. He is the Phoenix Suns' best defender and loves to compete against the greatest offensive talents in the league.
However, an aspect of Brooks' defense is peskiness. Lue has seen it in all the matchups when he was with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, so the best way to guide Leonard is to enforce off-ball screens and compel the Suns' defense to switch.
This could cause miscommunication or leave a slower defender on Leonard. Either way, it is a win for LA, as the chances of their best player getting a bucket in these circumstances are evidently higher.
But Brooks is skilled and understands the tactics to fight through screens, even if a massive seven-footer like Ivica Zubac or Brook Lopez is setting them. Thus, Leonard should still be aggressively looking to score, as a hand in his face has never mattered to him, primarily because his mid-range is automatic.
Nonetheless, to prove the season opener was a fluke and that it will not happen again, Lue must have Leonard boost the offense. With him out of rhythm and not proactive, teams will take advantage, just like the Utah Jazz did on opening night.