The Los Angeles Lakers have dealt with injuries all season long and got a double-dose at the worst possible time right before the playoffs. But despite being down their two leading scorers, JJ Redick has his squad with a 2-0 series lead in their first round series against the Houston Rockets.
Four road teams picked up Game 2 victories around the league, but the Lakers ensured they weren’t part of that group with an outstanding defensive effort on Rockets star Kevin Durant, as well an excellent outing from LeBron James and some timely plays from Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. But most importantly, in the eyes of Redick, was that the Lakers matched the Rockets’ level of desperation.
“We saw it happen over the last couple days, with road teams winning Game 2. I think there’s a natural flow to the series where the team that loses can relax a little bit, or the team that wins can relax a little bit,” Redick said. “The team that loses comes out and plays with more desperation. I thought our guys at least matched their sense of desperation. Our second efforts, our multiple efforts, all that stuff. You gotta win a bunch of little fights. That can be your catch position offensively. That could be your screens, that could be creating separation, that could be boxing out. But this team requires you to win a bunch of little fights.”
The Lakers never lacked energy or effort in Game 2, even when things weren’t going their way. A rough end to the second quarter threatened to allow Houston to seize control, but the Lakers battled back and came up with huge plays when they needed them in the fourth.
When it mattered most, the Lakers didn’t crumble, but rather showed a ton of resolve and resiliency, something Redick believes was built during this team’s up-and-down regular season.
“The regular season is not a means of punishment. It’s a means of building resiliency,” Redick said. “I think our group in aggregate has been an incredibly resilient group. That’s why we have the confidence and belief and certainly the collective competitive spirit to be on this stage going against a great basketball team in Houston.”
The Lakers have been dealt a lot of blows throughout this season, but through it all they have taken it all in, adjusted and ultimately, come out better for it. And for that Redick, the coaching staff and the players deserve a ton of credit.
Kevin Durant discusses how he can be better vs. Lakers defense
Redick and the Lakers’ coaching staff implemented an excellent defensive game plan against Durant that played a major role in their Game 2 victory. And the Rockets star spoke about how he must be better against this aggressive Lakers defense going forward.
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