JJ Redick throws darts after third-quarter collapse

The season is barely underway, and the Lakers already have reasons to worry. In their opener against the Golden State Warriors, the team coached by JJ Redick fell 119-109. More than the score, it was the familiar habits that resurfaced—habits that, as the coach pointed out in comments reported by EssentiallySports, have been haunting the team for months.

“We’re still a terrible team coming out of halftime,” JJ Redick said bluntly. The numbers back him up: last season, the Lakers ranked 27th in third-quarter scoring. This time, they crumbled again right after the break. The Warriors, led by a red-hot Jimmy Butler, took full advantage and built a 17-point lead they never gave up.

Lack of intensity

JJ Redick, who signed a contract extension this past offseason, didn’t just point to the lack of energy after halftime. He also highlighted poor execution in key moments. “We need to rethink some things. It’s a two-way street with the guys,” said the head coach, making it clear that responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the staff. Preparation issues, turnovers, and structural disconnects were the most glaring problems.

In the first half alone, the Lakers committed 15 turnovers—many of them “self-inflicted,” as JJ Redick described when referencing a failed lob pass to Deandre Ayton. The coach echoed his assistant Nate McMillan, who during the game noted spacing and ball-handling issues that allowed the Warriors to go on scoring runs.

Some bright spots

Despite the loss, Luka Doncic stood out with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. But the rest of JJ Redick’s squad didn’t follow suit. Austin Reaves and Ayton struggled, combining for multiple turnovers, and the team shot a dismal 8-for-32 from three-point range. Only Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia managed to hit more than 25% of their attempts from deep.

 

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With LeBron James sidelined due to sciatica, JJ Redick knows adjustments are non-negotiable. Fewer defensive fouls, better offensive structure, and perhaps lineup tweaks—like giving LaRavia more minutes over Gabe Vincent—could help stabilize the team. Some analysts believe that move might be key to avoiding another stumble against the Timberwolves. The season is just beginning, but the schedule won’t wait.