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JJ Redick identifies two biggest keys for Lakers versus Rockets
TL;DR
The Los Angeles Lakers must excel in rebounding and limit turnovers to defeat the Houston Rockets in the NBA playoffs, according to coach JJ Redick. With key players injured, the team's rotation players need to perform at their best to secure a win.
It may take something close to a Herculean effort from the Los Angeles Lakers in order for them to defeat the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injured. A number of rotation players not named LeBron James will need to play at or near their full potential offensively for the Lakers to pull this off.
In addition, the Lakers will need to do an excellent job in a couple of specific aspects. Coach JJ Redick said that, in particular, rebounding and limiting turnovers will decide the winner of this upcoming series (h/t Lakers Nation).
“Taking care of the basketball and boxing out. That’s the series,” Redick said after practice on Tuesday. “Scheme, personnel, obviously important. But if we don’t take care of the ball and don’t box out, we’re not gonna win the series. They’re number four in scoring opportunities, we were No. 23. We don’t have the luxury with Luka and AR out of getting killed in scoring opportunities every single game. We gotta box out. We’re gonna place an emphasis on every drill in practice.”
Redick said that Tuesday's practice was focused on boxing out. It is the kind of work and emphasis that is greatly needed when one looks at how much Houston pounds the boards.
During the regular season, Houston was first in overall rebounding percentage and offensive rebounding percentage, as well as third in second-chance points. The Lakers, meanwhile, were 12th in overall rebounding percentage and defensive rebounding percentage, and at times, they had trouble limiting their opponents' offensive rebounds and second shot opportunities.
The Rockets don't score a lot of points off turnovers, nor do they fast-break much, but when they defeated L.A. 119-96 on Christmas Day, they scored 23 points off 16 L.A. turnovers. The Lakers were 17th in turnover percentage and opponents' points off turnovers during the regular season.
Game 1 between the Lakers and Rockets will take place this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick identifies two biggest keys for Lakers versus Rockets
Q&A
What are the key strategies JJ Redick identified for the Lakers against the Rockets?
JJ Redick highlighted rebounding and limiting turnovers as the two crucial strategies for the Lakers to succeed against the Rockets.
How do injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves affect the Lakers' chances?
The injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves significantly weaken the Lakers, making it essential for other rotation players to step up their performance.
Why is boxing out emphasized in the Lakers' practice before facing the Rockets?
Boxing out is emphasized because the Rockets excel in rebounding, and the Lakers need to control the boards to avoid giving up scoring opportunities.
