JJ Redick’s coaching moment of truth has finally arrived

OKLAHOMA CITY — Over the course of NBA history, there have been impressive coaching performances.

Rick Carlisle inserting J.J. Barea into the Mavericks’ starting lineup in the middle of the2011 NBA Finalsagainst the Heat’s “Big 3” is one.

Trailing 2-1 to the Cavaliers in the2015 NBA Finalsbefore Steve Kerr inserted Andre Iguodala into the Warriors’ starting lineup is another.

But forLakerscoach JJ Redick, defeating the reigning champion Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals withoutLuka Doncicmight top them all.

Redick has shown promise in his first two years as a head coach at any level. He’s guided the Lakers to back-to-back 50-win seasons. He led the wounded Lakers to a first-round upset over the Rockets without his leading scorers. That’s not accidental. That’s real coaching.

But beating the reigning champion Thunder?This assignment is different.

For Redick to do the impossible, he must prove that he can outthink a machine.

A cold, precise and relentless machine.

But don’t take our word for it. Take Redick’s. He said it out loud.

“The Thunder are one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history. That’s just the reality, they’re that good,” a brutally honest Redick said. “They are a well-oiled machine.”

Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos