Lakers’ Star Defends Like Never Before, Fueling Playoffs With Breakthrough Defense
The Lakers are playing their best brand of basketball at the right time, and Dončić, for all of his offensive brilliance, remains a critical figure at the other end.
HOUSTON — A few hours before the Lakers’ gritty 100-92 win over the Rockets on Monday evening, head coach JJ Redick spoke at length about the responsibility of his players to be stars in their defensive roles. That would be the theme of the night. The overwhelming takeaway from the contest was Los Angeles’ ability to neutralize Kevin Durant in the halfcourt, limiting the future Hall of Famer to just 1-for-5 shooting in the second half, with six turnovers.
But that approach took more than just aggressive playcalls and schemes from the coaching staff to be successful. The Lakers have won nine out of their last 10, with the league’s No. 2 defense, and are outscoring opponents by 14.
6 points per 100 possessions . They’re playing their best brand of basketball at the right time, and Luka Dončić, for all of his offensive brilliance, remains a critical figure at the other end. [ Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem: Make your picks for $50K in total prizes ] “Overall he’s been a good defender for us,” Redick said after the game.
“When he gets switched on to the ball — I don’t know what the updated numbers are after the last three games — it’s been under 0. 9 [points allowed per possession]. It’s been one of the best, if not the best of all our perimeter guys.
Continue to the original source for the full article.