While many people feel JJ Redick did well in his first season as an NBA head coach, he did likely make one real blunder while at the helm of a Los Angeles Lakers team that many felt had a real shot at winning it all.
In Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, he played just five men in the second half. The Lakers played well in the third quarter and outscored Minnesota 36-23, but they fell apart in the fourth quarter. In that final period, they mustered just 19 points and had some miscues toward the end as they fell, 116-113.
That loss meant they trailed in the series three games to one. They went on to lose Game 5 at home by seven points, which gave them a much earlier-than-anticipated start to their offseason.
Some feel Redick’s decision to play five men with no rest after halftime of Game 4 cost Los Angeles the series. But Rich Paul, the CEO of Clutch Sports and LeBron James’ agent, told NBA insider Chris Haynes that Redick did what was needed.
“You’re trying to win the game,” Paul said. “He’s playing the players that he feels like can win the game. You can be a backseat driver all you want. The last thing you’re thinking about is anyone being fatigued when you’re in a do-or-die situation and trying to win the game. Just like you may be 300 pounds but if you walk past that house and that dog come out that driveway, you’re taking off and you’re gonna have to hit that gate. And guess what, in a normal instance, you may not be able to hit that gate the same way but out of fear, you may jump that gate in a single leap.”
James finished the game with 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks in Game 4. However, he went scoreless in the fourth quarter. Even worse, Luka Doncic shot 1-of-6 and Austin Reaves went 2-of-7 from the field in that fourth period.
Perhaps Redick’s decision highlighted how weak the Lakers’ bench is. It is something they will have to significantly improve this offseason if they are to become legitimate championship contenders next season.