Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered detailed insights after Thursday’s 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns, emphasizing both in-game adjustments and player performance.
Redick focused on defensive strategy, noting, “The thing we talked about this morning was trying to limit their lasers and not just in makes, but in terms of attempts. That’s the reason we didn’t play a ton of zone or didn’t play any zone.” He added that adjustments at the five position were made, but “they ended up getting some good looks… they got some transition threes.”
On containing the Suns’ pace, Redick explained, “To be able to limit their lasers, you have to defend for 24 seconds. That starts in transition, and then they’re just going to keep playing and get to multiple actions.” He cited the team’s struggle to keep up with speed as a factor in the close outcome.
Redick praised Luka Doncic’s performance, stating, “I thought Luka was fantastic. He made a ton of great plays, very consistent… outside of one tough step-back from the left wing early in the clock, I liked his process tonight.” He also highlighted offensive adjustments, saying, “In the second half, we did a good job of getting the right guys onto the basketball and then running offense… got some good stuff out of Atto’s despite botching three straight to start the first half.”
On lineup strategy, Redick noted, “We talked about letting Luka and AR play longer together, letting LeBron play on his own for a little bit… that was a good lineup for us tonight.” He broke down the final defensive rotation leading to Royce O’Neale’s game-winning 3-pointer, explaining, “There was no one to rotate… he got a clean look and he made it.”
Redick also emphasized Marcus Smart’s impact during a late Suns run: “Smart was great… our guys responded tonight. Basketball is a game of mistakes, and we made mistakes just like I make mistakes. I don’t think our players or Jordan coached a perfect game… that’s the game.”
Reflecting on the psychological challenges, he acknowledged, “We talk about this as a staff… our losses are louder than other teams. You get this deep in the season… tonight was a one-possession clutch game… but we’ve been great for the most part in the clutch all year.”
The Lakers dropped to 34-24 with the defeat, while Phoenix improved to 34-26.
