Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his team’s offensive execution after a 129-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Austin Reaves scored 38 points while Luka Doncic added 35 points and 11 assists, powering the Lakers to their sixth consecutive win.
Redick emphasized the “ease to which Austin was getting what he wanted and shots were falling,” noting that the offense benefited from Doncic drawing defensive attention. “Overall for our team, those two guys and LeBron as well, they’re going to initiate, play off-ball, and make good decisions,” Redick said.
The coach highlighted the Lakers’ ability to balance scoring and playmaking, pointing out that players who normally don’t shoot threes contributed key baskets. Redick also noted early turnovers as a concern, but credited the team for “stopping turning the ball over” in the second half and generating enough defensive stops to secure the win.
Reaves and Doncic combined for 36 second-half points, with Reaves hitting six 3-pointers and Doncic adding four. LeBron James contributed 13 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the final two minutes, helping Los Angeles close out the fourth quarter.
Redick praised the Lakers’ offensive discipline and decision-making, particularly in late-game situations. “I think he’s done a good job throughout the year of finding that balance whether he is on-ball or off-ball,” Redick said of Reaves’ scoring, adding that the forward’s ability to “hunt threes and touch the paint” makes him difficult to guard in crunch time.
The coach also highlighted Deandre Ayton’s contributions, noting his skill in punishing smaller defenders and executing in high-pressure situations. Redick cited Ayton’s ability to use his size and nimbleness against switching defenses as a key factor in the Lakers’ offense this season.
Redick reflected on the team’s broader habits and growth, citing communication, execution, and understanding of the game plan as strengths. “The organization and execution is significantly better than where it was last year,” he said, crediting the team’s fully healthy roster for enabling more cohesive play.
The Lakers’ 59% shooting from the field and 51% from three-point range highlighted the team’s offensive efficiency against a Dallas squad that shot 48% overall. With the sweep of NBA Cup group play, Los Angeles secures a home quarterfinal and carries momentum into upcoming games against New Orleans.
Looking ahead, Dallas visits the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, while the Lakers host New Orleans on Sunday. Redick stressed maintaining focus and preparation despite the cup’s conclusion: “We’ve got a back-to-back coming up and a really hard road trip… we’ve got to take care of business in the next two games.”
