Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts on the team’s 127-100 defeat to the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup, pointing to defensive lapses and missed opportunities as key factors in the loss. The Lakers have now dropped three consecutive games, falling to 10-7.
Redick acknowledged the Lakers’ strong offensive start, particularly in the first half, but noted that defensive errors allowed Phoenix to gain the upper hand. “I really liked how we played offensively in the first half. Defensively we were physical, had a couple I would call them game plan mistakes,” Redick said.
The Lakers trailed by eight points at halftime but collapsed in the third quarter, getting outscored 36-18. Redick emphasized that offensive struggles in the second half further compounded the defensive issues.
“We were 7-of-26 in the second half from three. I thought we got good looks. But sometimes the missed shots can have an effect, especially if you’re not getting stops on the other end,” he explained.
Phoenix’s Big 3 of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal combined for 77 points, exploiting defensive mismatches and dominating key moments.
Redick noted how the Suns’ stars dictated the game, saying, “Their main players got to their spots and hit tough twos, which they do. And they still took 42 threes.”
The Lakers’ struggles were highlighted by poor perimeter shooting, as they converted only 23.5% of their three-point attempts. Despite strong performances from Anthony Davis, who tallied 25 points and 15 rebounds, and LeBron James, who recorded 18 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, the team lacked consistency.
Redick praised the Lakers’ effort but admitted adjustments are needed against elite offensive teams like Phoenix. “We may have to just look at some things defensively, particularly against very good offensive teams,” he said.
Phoenix, now 10-7, looked revitalized with Durant and Beal back in the lineup. The Suns snapped a five-game losing streak and are 9-1 when Durant plays this season. Booker led the way with 26 points and 10 assists, while Jusuf Nurkic added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lakers competed well in the first half, with D’Angelo Russell scoring 16 points and Austin Reaves contributing 15. However, a third-quarter collapse doomed their chances, as Phoenix’s ball movement and shot-making overwhelmed Los Angeles.
