The Los Angeles Lakers defied logic and most pundits when they took a 3-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets, but then concern started to set in amid back-to-back losses.
That set up a pivotal Game 6 at the Toyota Center, which the Lakers needed to win in order to avoid suddenly facing elimination themselves. The team responded to their consecutive losses with a dominant performance to eliminate the Rockets.
“I would start with the collective,” head coach JJ Redick said of the Lakers’ effort after the 98-78 win. “I remember there was a press conference that we did after one of our games during the 16-2 stretch and you guys were really hammering home a point about a specific player. I honestly can’t remember who the player was.
“And I made the comment, I said the reason our team is winning is because of our team. Because each guy is starring in his role and contributing to winning. And that’s the story of this playoff series for us. Where each guy had moments that helped us win the game. I thought the collective tonight was awesome, especially defensively.
“Jaxson and DA (Deandre Ayton), with the adjustment we made going into Game 5, made a small tweak to some (Alperen) Sengun stuff this morning. Those guys were just phenomenal defensively and really did a great job of protecting the rim.”
Redick identified limiting turnovers and being strong on the defensive glass as paramount for the Lakers in their matchup with the Rockets. They hit on both keys in Game 6, turning the ball over just 11 times and limiting the Rockets to eight offensive rebounds.
There was renewed energy and focus from the likes of LeBron James and Marcus Smart, and with Austin Reaves being moved back into the lineup for his second game since returning from a left oblique strain.
“The second point I would make is just how important leadership is,” Redick added. “Where this group was a few weeks ago, coming off the first Oklahoma City game, the Dallas loss, the second Oklahoma City game, it felt bleak.
“Whether it was LeBron, Smart, AR doing everything he could to come back and give us that lift. Each guy in some way led us. Just really proud of the group.
“I’m a big believer in life that you should celebrate every victory, you should celebrate small wins. For us to be written off a few weeks ago and win a playoff series is a big deal. It just speaks to the character of our team and the leaders of our team, that they didn’t let go of the rope.”
JJ Redick wins first playoff series
The Lakers eliminating the Rockets gave Redick the first playoff series win of his coaching career. He’s guided the team to the playoffs in both years at the helm, but endured some growing pains as a rookie head coach and the Lakers came up short against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But while Redick believes in recognizing achievements, he deferred success to those around him.
“Gratitude. That’s the biggest thing. It’s been my word for the entire season. Part of my existence in life is gratitude,” Redick explained. “I’m so grateful to represent the Lakers, I’m so grateful for our players, I’m so grateful for my staff.
“Doing this, it’s such a collective effort. I wish people understood how many people put their heart and soul into something just to try to go win a basketball game. It’s awesome. So just gratitude for me.”
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
