Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts following the team’s 116-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. The win improved the Lakers’ record to 14-12, while Memphis dropped to 18-9, ending their four-game winning streak.
Redick highlighted his team’s effort and discipline as key to the win. “Against those guys, you have to play as hard as them at the very least to have a chance to win,” Redick said. “I thought our guys did that. I thought our game discipline was really good.”
He also noted the physicality of the game, though he emphasized it was not a critique of the officiating. “It was a strange game,” Redick explained. “There were a lot of fouls, and some of the physicality they’ve allowed just didn’t feel like we had that tonight, which potentially led to some of those turnovers.”
Despite some inconsistencies with the refereeing, Redick praised the defensive performance, especially from Max Christie, who stood out with his on-ball defense. “Max Christie in particular on ball was fantastic tonight,” Redick said, referencing the young guard’s contribution.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with a dominant 40-point, 16-rebound performance. His efficiency (15-for-22 shooting) was pivotal as Los Angeles built an 18-point halftime lead and never trailed in the game. Davis also contributed 12 points in the fourth quarter after briefly exiting with a shoulder injury.
LeBron James made a successful return after missing two games due to a foot injury and personal reasons. The 19-year veteran had 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in 34 minutes, though he committed five turnovers. His early impact included a dunk and a block, helping the Lakers establish momentum.
Austin Reaves added 19 points, including key free throws in the final moments to secure the win. Despite struggling from beyond the arc (10-for-34), Los Angeles capitalized on free-throw opportunities, outscoring Memphis 28-25 from the line.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 25 points, and Ja Morant contributed 20 points, but the Grizzlies couldn’t recover from a poor first half. Memphis shot just 39.2% from the field, and turnovers were costly, with 20 total giveaways.
Zach Edey provided a double-double off the bench with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Luke Kennard chipped in 12 points. However, the Grizzlies struggled with efficiency, and despite grabbing 17 offensive rebounds, they couldn’t capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
The Lakers’ defense and Davis’ all-around brilliance were crucial in holding off a late Memphis rally. The Grizzlies never managed to trim the deficit to fewer than six points in the second half.
