JJ Redick kicks off his second postseason as a head coach on Saturday against the Houston Rockets, but unfortunately the Los Angeles Lakers are going into this series without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
With Doncic and Reaves expected to be sidelined for the start of series, Redick needs to find a way to coach his team to some wins to extend the season until one or both can return. Heading into Game 1, Redick detailed what Los Angeles’ mindset will be without their top two scorers.
“The mindset for our team and for those two guys, like we’re gonna try to make this season as long as possible so that we can get those guys back at some point,” Redick said after Friday’s practice. “We don’t know what that is, and that’s just our job. And their job is to do everything they can to be in a position to come back at some point. It may not work, but that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The only way to overcome a talent deficit is by having multiple role players stepping up offensively or defensively. By having nearly a week to prepare, Redick hammered home that point by telling his team they need to elevate their play.
“I think the word we’ve used all week is ‘elevate.’ I think that’s what it is, we all know the playoffs are different, they’re harder,” he said.
“There’s no easy matchups and you have to be able to elevate your play. But beyond that, it’s elevating your recovery, your attention to detail, your preparation. I’ve talked about that with my coaches, as we started this week on Monday morning, it was an off day for the guys, but we were in there for six hours.
“And we’ve all collectively got to elevate and particularly when you’re missing two of your top guys, part of elevating is elevating each other. And the belief that the group as a whole can be great.”
Obviously, taking the two top players away from any team decreases their chances of winning significantly. So, there is no sugarcoating the Lakers find themselves in an uphill battle, but Redick will quickly see if they are fit for the challenge.
JJ Redick gives reality about Deandre Ayton’s importance
All responsibility lies on LeBron James as a leader and No. 1 option for the Lakers, but others have to chip in as well. One notable name is center Deandre Ayton and JJ Redick shared how important he will be if they hope to pull off a Round 1 upset.
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