What a thriller! Target Center turned into a battlefield on Sunday as the LA Lakers charged in, desperate for an equalizer. But the Timberwolves had other plans. It looks like LeBron James & Co. wrote 113-116 in the stars. What looked like a game in LA’s grasp slipped through their fingers like sand. And amidst the wreck stands head coach JJ Redick with a decision that he might regret.
There were too many striking moments in the game. On one hand, they were jaw-droppingly stunning; on the other hand, they were concerning, intriguing, and questionable. For example, JJ Redick’s call for a no-rotation in the second half. Was it a planned strategy or a spur-of-the-moment choice? More like trial and error, where error triumphed. The rookie coach admitted to the media after the game, “No, we didn’t plan it, but we changed at halftime.”
The reporters further wanted to know what lessons the Los Angeles Lakers take away from an emotionally tough loss like that, where they had control multiple times, but they kept coming back? “We certainly played well enough to win. We gave our effort to win. The ‘not a planned thing’ to play five guys an entire second half. We asked them at the beginning of the fourth quarter. We told them we had two extra timeouts. You know, if you need a sub, let us know. Those guys gave a lot,” JJ Redick admitted.
Mar 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick on the sidelines against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Well, this situation, where the players, namely: James Sr., Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves, played the entire 2nd half, felt exhausting. However, that might not be the case as the coach himself stated that the “guys” gave a lot in the game. Bron hit a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds, meanwhile Doncic scored 38, Hachimura, AR, and Dorian chipped in 23, 17, and 6 points, respectively.
Amidst everything, one hooper that stood the test of time, force, and signs was Anthony Edwards. Battled and battered, the 23-year-old point guard once again proved that he is indeed the future of the league. But most importantly, even JJ Redick acknowledged his valor.
JJ Redick acknowledged Anthony Edwards amidst communication troubles
Anthony Edwards was on fire! He dropped 43 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and swatted 1 block—all in 44 minutes. But wait, there’s more. At just 23 years and 265 days, Ant made NBA history, becoming the youngest player ever to hit 100 career three-pointers in the playoffs. Therefore, it’s not difficult to understand that the superstar posed a threat to the Lakers through his explosive game. Especially for the defenders in the fourth quarter, Ant-Man was an eyesore!
“He’s a difficult player,” JJ Redick said of Edwards. “I think there are certain lineups that you can look at that they play, where we could’ve mixed in some different things when they have their shooters out there. It’s tough to kind of mix in fires. We tried to fire multiple times; it wasn’t communicated well.” JJ Redick knows defending Edwards is tough, especially with shooters all around. Despite trying to adjust and blitz, miscommunication led to missed chances. “We did end up trying to blitz him. He raced it both times, and they scored. So, you know, he’s a very dynamic offensive player.”
Mar 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick at press conference at the Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
So, the Lakers couldn’t seal the deal, and the Timberwolves swooped in for the win. JJ Redick’s bold moves, like that no-rotation gamble, didn’t quite pay off, leaving the Lakers scrambling. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards made sure to remind everyone he’s the future, lighting up the court and leaving the Lakers with a tough pill to swallow.
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