Lakers' Coach JJ Redick on Game 2 Practice: Best in Months But Questions Remain

The Lakers' coach JJ Redick had a lot to say after a practice session that he called the best in months. This session came just before Game 2 of their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers had a tough time in Game 1, losing by a significant margin of 22 points. The team's performance was lackluster, and many players admitted they didn't play up to their usual standards. Redick pointed out that the team could have benefited from more scrimmages during their off days leading up to the playoffs. This might have helped them avoid the flat performance they showed in Game 1. The Lakers had a chance to review their defense during a film session on Sunday. They focused on the issues that allowed the Timberwolves to shoot 21 out of 42 three-pointers. On Monday, the team spent a long time working on their offense. Austin Reaves, a guard for the Lakers, acknowledged that the team played poorly. He noted that the Timberwolves shot the ball exceptionally well and are a physically strong team. Reaves was particularly hard on himself, admitting that he wasn't himself during the game. He scored just 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting and had a plus-minus of minus-25 in 37 minutes. After reviewing the film, Reaves described his performance as "shitty. " He plans to focus on playing his game and having fun in the next match. Redick highlighted the team's lack of organization as a major issue. He explained that being organized isn't just about the point guard calling plays. It's about screening, spacing, and filling the corners after makes and misses. Defensively, the Lakers struggled with the Timberwolves making 3-pointers from the corners. The Wolves hit nine corner 3-pointers, which was tied for their second most in a game this season. These shots were often wide open, with an average separation of 8. 6 feet between the shooter and the closest Laker defender. Dorian Finney-Smith, a forward for the Lakers, mentioned that part of the problem was a lack of defensive recognition. He specifically noted that the team needs to get players like Naz Reid off the line. Reid scored 23 points and went 6-for-9 from deep in the opener. Finney-Smith also admitted that his personal offense—or lack thereof—affected his defense. He scored just 3 points on 1-for-5 shooting in Game 1. He plans to be more active and not let his energy drop just because he's not touching the ball. In the days since the disappointing start, the Lakers have had to figure out what went wrong. They had won many pressure-packed games down the stretch to secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Redick called the gap in physicality between the Lakers and Wolves an "aberration. " Reaves said L. A. simply showed "uncharacteristic issues. " The Lakers will get a chance to even the series when they play on their home court in Game 2.