Lakers head coach JJ Redick pointed to intent and composure as the foundation of Los Angeles’ 116-110 comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night at American Airlines Center.
“Third quarter, getting down by 50 at one point and then swing back and work on the intent to play the right way was there throughout the game,” Redick said. “Basketball is a game of imperfect and there’s going to be errors and our team stayed with our intent to play the right way.”
Los Angeles erased a 15-point deficit in the final seven minutes behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and Redick acknowledged missed opportunities earlier that nearly derailed the effort.
“I thought the third quarter offensively we got some good looks,” Redick said. “We had seven turnovers in the quarter and missed three layups.”
Those mistakes fueled Dallas’ run, according to Redick, especially in transition and on the glass.
“Those turnovers allowed them to get out and run, get some transition points,” he said. “They got at least two uh baskets after offensive rebounds.”
Redick credited multiple role players for stabilizing the game when the margin tightened late.
“We had guys Jake, Smart, Rui of course make some big time shots and big time plays on the offensive end,” Redick said.
Going small proved pivotal defensively, particularly with Doncic involved in repeated actions.
“Our one through five when we went small,” Redick said. “Luka had we, you know, we counted after the game. He had six straight stops where they targeted him.”
Redick highlighted Doncic’s fourth-quarter defense as a turning point.
“Just a fantastic job from him and then makes sort of the game-sealing defensive play with the charge on Marshall,” Redick said. “Just he was fantastic in the fourth quarter.”
Spacing and downhill pressure opened the floor late as Dallas adjusted its coverage.
“We just kind of spaced him in the corner,” Redick said. “It was just our 3-1 spacing and um you know, him going right.”
Marcus Smart’s contributions stood out to the coaching staff in critical moments.
“That could have been a real backbreaker and it was a momentum saving play,” Redick said. “He he’s been playing fantastic basketball for us lately.”
Redick also addressed Rui Hachimura’s shooting impact during a decisive stretch.
“The four-point play followed by the three, you know, that seven-point swing,” Redick said. “Was huge.”
Defensively, Redick referenced a message delivered earlier in the day.
“Trust your help, don’t rely on your help,” Redick said. “I thought he did a great job of containing the basketball.”
Redick emphasized Doncic’s willingness to accept challenges.
“Luka wants to win,” Redick said. “He played a fantastic game.”
The performance carried weight beyond one night, especially on a long road trip.
“It’s a reference point for this trip,” Redick said. “It’s a rep reference point for the season for sure.”
Redick closed by discussing LeBron James’ late-game influence.
“I don’t take it for granted,” Redick said. “He’s the benchmark for how a professional basketball player should approach their career.”
