Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton for their impact down the stretch in Friday's 125-122 win over the Clippers.
The Los Angeles Lakers survived a late scare from the Los Angeles Clippers, winning 125–122 on Friday night, and head coach JJ Redick singled out Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton for their impact down the stretch.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
"I thought Smart and DA (Deandre Ayton), in that fourth quarter, were really difference makers for us," Redick said in a post-game press conference. "Smart was fantastic on defense all night and then, seven minutes left in the fourth or whatever it was, and he hasn't taken a shot and we come out of a timeout, he makes a three and then he makes another one and then he gets the and one… Just huge stuff from him, leadership in the huddles, all that.
"Then DA was great and very engaged and just was able to execute our defensive game plan at a really high level."
Smart, scoreless for most of the night, responded by scoring all seven of his points in the final 6:32, including two key baskets and an and–one that helped seal the win.
Ayton also played a strong role on both ends, showing signs of a bounce–back after struggling to close out games recently.
While Luka Doncic's 38 points and 11 assists grabbed headlines, Redick's praise highlights how critical Smart's clutch shooting and Ayton's defensive presence were in the win.
Austin Reaves added 29 points, and LeBron James contributed 13 points and 11 assists as the Lakers held off a late Clippers charge.
Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points before leaving with an ankle issue, and Bennedict Mathurin had 26 points and seven rebounds but fouled out with under two minutes left.
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