JJ Redick says the Lakers’ 125-101 win over the Kings stood out because of consistent defensive effort and engagement on every possession.
Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, and head coach JJ Redick says the difference came down to defense and effort.
Coming into the matchup, the Lakers had struggled in 10 of their previous games, drawing criticism from Redick. After a 23-point loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, he said the team didn’t “care enough” and promised Saturday’s practice would be “uncomfortable.” Redick explained what set this game apart from others.
“We had probably one of our most consistent games in terms of 48 minutes of competitive spirit,” Redick said in a post-game interview. “… There were a couple possessions in that 13-2 run where we just started with a five-guys-guarding mentality, and that's really what we're after. … We really just want five guys at all times, on every possession, engaged. That's sort of the North Star of how we try to build a good defense.”
Credit AP - Scanpix
Against the Kings, the Lakers gradually built a lead and never let up. Sacramento shot just 42.9% from the field in the second half and went 8-of-29 from three, with DeMar DeRozan the only King to score more than 16 points.
The Lakers went on an 11-2 run to end the second quarter and opened the third with a 13-2 spurt that pushed the lead to 26. Redick said those stretches reflected the lessons from Saturday’s “uncomfortable” practice.
The real test, Redick added, will be whether the team can maintain this level of defensive intensity in the coming games. Los Angeles faces the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, a team that excels in transition and takes advantage of turnovers.
Sunday’s win improved the Lakers to 20-10 and moved them into fourth place in the Western Conference.
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