In the world of NBA basketball, finding a rookie head coach who can command respect and deliver results is a rare gem. JJ Redick, in his first year as head coach with the Los Angeles Lakers, is proving to be just that.
With the team's recent 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers officially punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA playoffs. It's a remarkable feat for a coach in his debut season, especially when considering the initial skepticism surrounding his appointment due to perceived inexperience.
Much of the buzz around this game was centered on Luka Doncic's return to Dallas, though this time wearing the Purple and Gold. Doncic didn't hold back, lighting up the scoreboard with an impressive 45 points, including a blistering 31 in the first half.
But this matchup also marked Anthony Davis' first face-off against his former team, albeit with little to show for it as he was limited to just 13 points. According to former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, this was no accident but rather a testament to Redick's strategic acumen.
Perkins, known for his candid takes, was quick to commend Redick's defensive game plan, specifically noting how the young coach managed to neutralize an elite player like Davis. "JJ has been coaching his a__ off.
Hell of a game plan today on both ends. He completely took AD outta the game tonight.
This is the third time I’ve seen him do this to an elite big this season," Perkins shared on X. Perkins was alluding to Redick's previous successes in containing powerhouse players like Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns, showcasing a pattern of defensive brilliance.
Integral to this defensive strategy was Redick's decision to implement persistent double-team pressure on Davis, suffocating his usual impact on the game. Davis ended the night shooting just 5-of-13 over 33 minutes, a clear disruption from his typical performance.
For Lakers fans, there's more to celebrate than just clinching a playoff berth. This victory also means they have dodged the Play-In Tournament for the first time since their championship run in 2020.
Back in that golden year, the partnership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Lakers to the NBA title. However, since then, the road has been rocky, with the 2023 journey to the Western Conference Finals requiring the Play-In route.
This season under Redick’s guidance marks a potential turning point. Not only have the Lakers outgrown the Play-In safety net, but they also have a shot at hitting the 50-win mark, a benchmark not reached since their last championship year.
Such achievements underscore Redick’s coaching prowess and why the basketball world should definitely be paying attention. Lakers fans have reason to dream big as the playoffs loom on the horizon.
