JJ Redick’s post-game comments after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ dominant victory over the Atlanta Hawks have set high expectations for his team. The Lakers head coach emphasized his belief in the team’s potential, saying,
“I don’t want to be part of a good team. I want to be part of a great team, and I know this team can be a great team.”
With their recent resurgence, the Lakers are showing signs of achieving that greatness.
The Lakers’ win over the Hawks marked their second consecutive victory and solidified their position as the 4th seed in the Western Conference. With a 20-14 record, they have turned things around after a slow start to the season, which had them hovering near the play-in positions. Winning 8 of their last 11 games, the team has regained momentum and is playing with renewed confidence.
This victory was also historic for LeBron James, who surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games in NBA history. LeBron recorded his 563rd career 30-point game, surpassing Jordan’s 562. This incredible milestone is another testament to LeBron’s sustained greatness in his 22nd NBA season. Against the Hawks, he finished with 30 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds, delivering a masterclass performance to lead his team.
Anthony Davis returned with an impactful performance of 18 points, 19 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Austin Reaves also contributed significantly with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Redick’s vision for greatness aligns with the Lakers’ recent improvements. Under his leadership, the team has shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the court. LeBron and Davis remain the cornerstones, but the team’s depth has been crucial in sustaining their performance during grueling stretches. Redick’s comment reflects his drive to push the Lakers beyond being just a playoff contender, aiming instead for championship-level play.
The Lakers have addressed key issues that plagued them early in the season, particularly their defense and bench production. The recent additions of Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton have started to pay dividends, providing much-needed versatility and energy off the bench.
Finney-Smith contributed 8 points and 5 rebounds against the Hawks, while Milton added 4 assists and 4 rebounds. These role players are critical in supporting the Lakers’ star duo and maintaining consistency throughout games.
In their victory over the Hawks, the Lakers displayed dominance on both offense and defense. They held the Hawks to just 41% shooting from the field and an abysmal 17.6% from three-point range. Davis anchored the defense with his shot-blocking and rebounding, while LeBron controlled the pace offensively with his scoring and playmaking.
Despite their recent success, the Lakers still have work to do to achieve the greatness Redick aspires to. They need to maintain their defensive improvements and find consistency in their rotations. With tough matchups ahead, including games against the Rockets and Mavericks, the Lakers will be tested.
If LeBron and Davis can stay healthy and the supporting cast continues to evolve, the Lakers have a legitimate shot at securing home-court advantage in the playoffs and making a deep postseason run. Redick’s high expectations reflect not just belief but a challenge to his players to rise to the occasion and prove they belong among the NBA’s elite teams.
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