Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his thoughts on his team’s dramatic 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He praised LeBron James’ perseverance despite a slow start and credited the Lakers’ defensive intensity.
Speaking postgame, Redick emphasized the importance of multiple-effort plays, particularly on the defensive end. “We won the game on a multiple-effort play,” he said, referring to the final possession that led to James’ game-winning tip-in.
James, who had not made a field goal through three quarters, delivered in the clutch with a 10-point fourth quarter. Redick acknowledged James’ early struggles but commended his impact on the glass and defensive end. “He was so good defensively, so good on the glass for us, and really led us on that end,” Redick noted.
Redick admitted there were lapses, calling out “four of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen us do all season.” Despite those mistakes, he felt the Lakers executed well overall, particularly in the second half. “When we were able to stay calm and execute, we got really good stuff,” he said.
Rui Hachimura, playing in his first game back after missing nearly two months, hit two key three-pointers late in the fourth. Redick highlighted his performance, saying, “We don’t win the game without our bench tonight.”
The Pacers had won five straight before Wednesday’s loss, and Redick acknowledged their strength. “They don’t ever get talked about enough nationally,” he said, praising Indiana’s coaching and overall talent.
James finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 34 points. Austin Reaves added 24, helping the Lakers (44-28) move into a tie with Memphis for the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
Indiana (42-30) was led by Bennedict Mathurin’s 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton recorded 16 points and 18 assists. The Pacers held a late lead before James’ last-second heroics secured the Lakers’ win.
With the victory, Los Angeles snapped a three-game losing streak and strengthened its playoff positioning. Indiana remains a contender in the East despite the setback.
