Lakers head coach JJ Redick credited his team’s defensive intensity for their 110-97 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
He said, “Really tonight there was one key and that was multiple efforts and thought we did that throughout the game, not just in spurts.”
Redick highlighted the importance of sacrifice plays, noting, “That’s a sacrificial play. I mean, you got to put your body on the line and our guys have been motivated to do that all year.”
Discussing the team’s physical approach, he added, “Based on what they just did in Denver… we were the more physical team tonight.”
Regarding the final minutes, Redick explained, “Well, we got good looks and we… had some low clock possessions, but part of it was we wanted to eat some clock.”
He emphasized the team’s resilience despite a tough schedule, saying, “This wasn’t an offensive game. This was going to be a gritty, tough game that we had to win with effort and we did that.”
Redick encouraged perspective on the team’s progress, noting, “Fans rightfully so should always overreact… We’re 15 and 9 in our last 24. We’re top 10 offense, a top 15 defense. Like that’s what we wanted to be coming into the season with this group.”
He praised Austin Reaves’ performance, stating, “We just kept telling him touch the paint… He was really strong today. I thought he was very physical offensively.”
On Deandre Ayton, Redick said, “He was great. I thought the pursuit of the basketball, you know, loose balls, going to block shots… he played really hard tonight.”
Redick credited the team’s defensive schemes for limiting Jalen Brunson, explaining, “We mixed up defenses… outside of a broken play where he gets a wide open three, I thought we did a fantastic job on him.”
He also recognized Rui Hachimura’s contribution in LeBron James’ absence, saying, “Just do what Rui does and we feel very confident when he catches the ball that he’s going to deliver.”
Finally, Redick highlighted Jaxson Hayes’ defensive growth, noting, “In terms of the verticality… as the low man, he’s the best guy we have on our team.”
The Lakers’ win marked their fourth consecutive victory, overcoming a 23-point lead deficit from the Knicks and finishing with strong defensive and physical effort throughout the game.
