JJ Redick spoke after the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 120-108 win over the Denver Nuggets. When talking about the team’s goals heading into the playoffs, Redick noted that having home-court advantage would be nice. But he and the team cannot lose focus from their one-game-at-a-time approach, because if they do, the basketball gods could punish them for it.
Reporter: “You’ve been pretty clear with us that the goal is to make the playoffs. But you guys have been a pretty special team in this building this season. If it comes to a time where going for home-court advantage becomes the thing, do you think what your team has been able to do here makes it something to chase?”
JJ Redick: “We would all love to have home-court advantage. It would be nice. Our group has been awesome at home so far. But again, you gotta play the next game and win the game in front of you. I’ve seen it too many times. The basketball gods, if you start messing around with things, they will punish you.”
The Lakers have been sensational at home this season, with a 28-7 record when playing at the Crypto.com Arena. They are only behind the Thunder and Cavaliers (both tied at 30-5) for the best home record in the entire league. So having home-court advantage would be a massive boost to their chances in the playoffs.
Their best chance of securing home-court advantage in the playoffs would be to secure the second seed in the West, as it would guarantee them home-court advantage for their first two series. However, they wouldn’t have that advantage should they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, as they have the best record in the West.
Redick also answered a host of different questions, including about the Lakers’ solid start to the game both offensively and defensively, Luka Doncic‘s brilliant performance for them on the night, and how the rest of the Lakers have adapted to Doncic’s abilities as a passer and playmaker.
Reporter: “What are the things you want to see continue when you go up in a game like this in the first quarter?”
JJ Redick: “I think defensively, the only real lapse was that second quarter. We felt like the game tonight was going to come down to our ability to get back and defend in transition, take care of the basketball, and keep them off the glass. That wasn’t great in the first half. A lot of those were in the second quarter.”
“We had eight turnovers, and they ended up with 21 fast-break points, and nine offensive rebounds in the first half. We cleaned all that stuff up in the second half, which was awesome. For three quarters, the way we were able to generate great shots, with Luka leading that.”
“Defensively, outside of a couple of things, even in the fourth, there were a couple of red mistakes, but it was a great night. Vando and Goody really led that for us. You felt them when they were in the game. They were part of some big runs for us.”
Reporter: “You mentioned [Vanderbilt and Goodwin] off the bench and then you also get three guys in double figures and shots going in off the bench. That is going to help on a given night. Anything in particular that got those guys going?”
JJ Redick: “Well, with Jokic out, we knew they were going to Red everything. When that didn’t work, we knew they were going to fire. They got some turnovers out of that. Once you start going to the double-teams, we’re able to move the ball… and generate some good shots.”
“I thought Luka was really patient. Him starting the game aggressively against the Reds forced them into having to double-team him. The other guys were beneficiaries of that.”
Reporter: “Luka entered tonight averaging 10 points in the first quarter. This was his highest-scoring quarter with you guys, a season-high 21 in the first. Is there a benefit to him getting going early and just the chain reaction that has with the defense then being forced to double and that opening everything for everyone else?”
JJ Redick: “I don’t know what it was exactly in Dallas. I know he had a number of big firsts for them… This is what he does and has done throughout his career. We want him to be aggressive no matter what. He’s going to play the right way.”
“His teammates have talked about that over the last few days. Just the way he’s getting them shots and he’s not forcing things when they are double-teaming, he’s just allowing the game to present itself and then he makes the read.”
Reporter: “When he [Luka] gets going like that, have you seen a recognition from his teammates in order to keep it going for him?”
JJ Redick: “Yeah. We’ve talked about it as a staff, with the group. Just having the recognition when he’s on the floor, generally, unless it’s a transition, an early mismatch when we are healthy. You should touch the basketball in the half court.”
The Lakers won against the Nuggets last night, thanks to Luka Doncic dropping 31 points (10-21 FG), eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block. They now move back to third in the West with a 43-25 record. They can secure their spot tonight with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
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