In a decisive Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers’ first-year coach JJ Redick made headlines by becoming the first coach since at least 1998 to utilize the same five players for an entire half of a playoff game. This strategic move came as the Lakers faced mounting pressure in the series, and Redick’s adjustments have sparked discussions about their potential impact in the upcoming Game 5.
With the clock approaching halftime during Game 4, Redick did something radically unathletic. To do so, he subbed out starting center Jaxson Hayes for starting forward Dorian Finney-Smith, going small. This transformation was meant to increase the team’s pace and scoring potential. Even with the tactical tweak, the Lakers came up short once more — furthering their maddening fourth quarter play that’s plagued the team all postseason long.
On Monday, Redick defended his controversial lineup choices with players in the locker room, stressing the value of transparency. He made the point that he talked to all of them that would be available to play during 2nd half. This makes clear his pledge to a more collaborative approach.
Redick suggested that he would open Game 5 with the same quintet that finished Game 4. He said this decision is very much TBD. He acknowledged the need for a shift in mindset moving forward, as he pointed out, “You have to play with a sense of desperation.”
In reflecting on Game 4, Redick expressed concern over missed opportunities in the fourth quarter, highlighting that “our two best players missed layups at the rim.” Even superstar Luka Doncic called out the Lakers for not following through on their gameplan. He emphasized that they’ve got to do it right for 48 minutes and do it great.
As with the rest of his playoff strategy, Redick has shortened his rotation from that of the regular season. He didn’t have Dalton Knecht in the lineup for the Minnesota series and cut Hayes’ minutes sharply. The focus is now on maximizing the effectiveness of key players while addressing the recurring issues that have surfaced during critical moments of games.
Even after their recent defeat, Redick didn’t want to point the finger at his rotation decisions. He instead focused on fourth-quarter execution as a big picture priority that needs to be fixed. Get ready for the Lakers as they prepare for their decisive Game 5. They are looking to take on a do-or-die attitude to up their game.
“At the very least we ought to play it as if it’s Game 7. If we lose, we go home,” Doncic said, highlighting the desperation that this young Mavericks team will need to adopt in their next game.
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