In a thrilling 116-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised his team’s resilience despite the chaotic final moments of the game. The Lakers nearly squandered a 20-point lead but held on for the win, with LeBron James sinking two critical free throws with 3.9 seconds remaining.
Redick emphasized the importance of defensive intensity, particularly in the third quarter when the Lakers limited the Suns to just 15 points. “We played hard and we were physical,” Redick said in the postgame press conference. “The second efforts on ball containment were better, and our coverage execution was sharper.”
The coach also noted that his team had been challenged to “win on the margins” and avoid compounding mistakes. Despite several errors, including a controversial challenge call on his part, Redick was pleased with how his squad responded.
Reflecting on the Lakers’ ability to withstand Phoenix’s late-game surge, Redick acknowledged his own role in the game’s tense finish. “I shouldn’t have made that challenge,” he admitted. “It was a timeout crunch, and I didn’t have one later when I needed it.” Still, he was quick to praise his team for not letting those mistakes derail their momentum.
The Lakers’ defense was crucial throughout, but Redick also singled out the bench for its key contributions, especially in the second half. “The bench play, particularly in the second half, helped get us the lead,” he said. Players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton, who finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, were instrumental in the Lakers’ defensive efforts and energy on the boards.
When asked about the exchange between James and Dillon Brooks, which led to Brooks’ ejection, Redick was calm but insightful. “Our group was unaffected by it,” Redick noted. He praised the leadership of LeBron, calling his veteran presence pivotal during crucial stretches, including his game-winning free throws.
Despite the Lakers’ late-game struggles, Redick found value in what he called a “gritty” win. “Winning ugly is actually really fun because it means you got in the trenches and fought,” he said with a smile. “It’s about growth, not perfection.”
The coach also had words of praise for players who stepped up in unexpected ways, especially Vanderbilt, who had fallen out of the rotation but returned to contribute significantly. “He was disruptive within our schemes, and that’s what we needed from him tonight,” Redick said, highlighting Vanderbilt’s defensive plays and energy.
James, close to turning 41, continues to defy age with clutch performances. “I never take it for granted,” Redick said when asked about LeBron’s continued impact. “He puts his fingerprints on the game every night, and tonight was no different.”
Redick was also asked about Marcus Smart’s decision-making late in the game. “Not a great decision,” he said bluntly, underscoring the importance of making smart choices in tight situations. However, the win ultimately belonged to the team’s collective effort, with the bench, defense, and James coming together to pull off a thrilling victory.
As the Lakers (18-7) look to build on this hard-fought win, Redick was clear about the lessons learned. “When they’ve been challenged on specific things, they’ve responded,” he said. “That’s the resilience we need.”
