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Cameras Catch Luka Doncic Failing to Hide Frustration Over JJ Redick’s Bizarre Decision as Lakers Suffer Humiliating Sweep
TL;DR
Luka Doncic was visibly frustrated after JJ Redick substituted Rui Hachimura in the final seconds of a game, leading to the Lakers' sweep. Hachimura had been the team's top scorer, making the decision perplexing for Doncic and his teammates.
Key points
- Luka Doncic showed frustration over a late-game decision
- JJ Redick substituted Rui Hachimura in the final seconds
- Hachimura was the Lakers' top scorer with 25 points
- The Lakers were swept in the series
- The Thunder's defense adjusted after Hachimura's exit
LakersThunder
Credits: Imagn ©Credits: Imagn
With just 12.2 seconds left and the Lakers trailing by three, JJ Redick pulled his hottest shooter from the floor, and the cameras caught exactly what Luka Doncic thought about it. Despite Rui Hachimura’s offensive brilliance throughout the night, the power forward was replaced by Maxi Kleber in the closing seconds, a decision that left Doncic visibly stunned on the sideline. He squeezed his face in disbelief, unable to process what he was watching.
Hachimura had earned his place on the court. Pouring in 21 of his 25 points in the second half while shooting 60% from the floor and 50% from deep, he had been the Lakers’ most reliable offensive weapon all night. Removing him with a three-point deficit and time still on the clock – time enough for one more shot – baffled not just Doncic but teammates across the bench.
The Thunder’s defense, no longer anchored to Hachimura’s threat, shifted its focus to LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Reaves got the look Redick had designed the play around and missed the three.
OKC scored two more to close it out, 115-110, and with that, the sweep was complete: 108-90, 125-107, 131-108, 115-110. That outcome only deepened the scrutiny surrounding Redick’s call, and in the hours that followed, the reasoning behind it began to surface.
The Lakers prioritized spacing and screening over Rui’s hot shooting hand
Redick, it turns out, was never drawing up a play for Hachimura. The intent was to manufacture the right spacing and movement to free up James or Reaves for a scoring opportunity. Kleber was brought in as the screener; as a decoy.
Q&A
Why was Luka Doncic frustrated with JJ Redick's decision?
Doncic was frustrated because Redick substituted Rui Hachimura, the Lakers' top scorer, in the final seconds of a close game, which seemed counterproductive.
What was Rui Hachimura's performance in the game?
Rui Hachimura scored 21 of his 25 points in the second half, shooting 60% from the floor and 50% from three-point range.
How did the Lakers perform in the game against the Thunder?
The Lakers suffered a humiliating sweep in the series, culminating in this particular game where they lost despite Hachimura's strong performance.
What was the impact of Hachimura's substitution on the game?
Hachimura's substitution allowed the Thunder's defense to focus on LeBron James and Austin Reaves, leading to a missed three-pointer that could have changed the game's outcome.
