Lakers coach JJ Redick explained how getting Deandre Ayton more touches early helped him bounce back in Sunday’s 120-114 win over the Grizzlies.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick explained Sunday how the team helped Deandre Ayton get involved early in the offense, leading to a key 120-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Redick said before the game that the Lakers would focus on getting Ayton the ball early, and the plan worked.
The center scored on the first play of the game with a spinning, 9-foot turnaround hook shot. A few minutes later, Luka Doncic found him cutting under the basket for a dunk over Jaren Jackson Jr.
"He was great throughout the game," Redick said per ESPN. "I think that was good for him to just touch the basketball and feel like he's part of the offense. It's a tale as old as time for a big guy. That's the reality of being a big: Someone has to pass you the ball. You're not initiating the offense."
Credit AP - Scanpix
After being frustrated with limited touches in Friday’s game, Ayton bounced back with 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting, eight rebounds, and three blocks.
"Bigs can't feed themselves," Ayton said after the game. "I just try my best to do what I can to bring effort, and I trust my playmakers out there to find me."
James said he kept Ayton as a priority throughout the game. "I'm always looking for DA," he said. "And we're always trying to figure out a way how we can get him the ball. It's unfortunate what happened last game, and we weren't able to find him as much as we want to, but we were able to make the adjustments."
Redick acknowledged that it is normal for a big man’s effort to fade if he doesn’t feel involved. Ayton shot just 2-for-4 on Friday and finished with only 4 points and 6 rebounds. Sunday, with more touches, he contributed immediately and added 2 blocks in the fourth quarter.
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.