JJ Redick facing backlash over Rui Hachimura substitution in final seconds

JJ Redick facing backlash over Rui Hachimura substitution in final seconds originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Lakers lost Game 4 to the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-110, got swept, and their season is over. But in the hours after the final whistle, one coaching decision is consuming the conversation more than the result itself.

With the Lakers trailing by five points and 12 seconds left, head coach JJ Redick had Rui Hachimura sitting on the bench. Sports personality Emmanuel Acho reacted on X, saying:

"JJ Redick, what the hell are you even thinking? What the hell? Why you take that man off the court, bro?"

It is not an unreasonable question if we’re to look at it. Hachimura scored 25 points in the game on 9-of-15 shooting, including nine of those points in the fourth quarter alone.

With two minutes left in regulation, the Lakers were down six, and Hachimura went on a personal run that included a four-point play to bring Los Angeles within two. He was unquestionably the most dangerous offensive player for the Lakers in the final frame.