Lakers coach JJ Redick knows how difficult it is to close out a playoff series.
When asked ahead ofSunday’s Game 4 loss to the Rocketsabout the challenge of closing out a series, Redick was quick to provide a reminder that he was on the Clippers team that blew the 3-1 series lead to the Rockets in the 2015 Western Conference semifinals before eventually losing the series in seven games.
But he was also on the Magic team that forced a Game 6 in the 2010 Eastern Conference finals matchup to the Celtics after trailing 3-0 in the series.
Once a team’s backs are against the wall, their sense of desperation heightens. Holes that would’ve been easier to exploit in the series are either filled because the game plans adjust, or added hustle makes it more challenging to capitalize off the weaknesses.
The Lakers just saw how difficult it was to close out their best-of-seven first round series against the Rockets.
After decisively being the better teamin Game 1andGame 2 in Los Angeles, and taking advantage of theRockets’ mistakes down the stretch of Game 3 to pull off a miraculous comebackto take a 3-0 series lead, the Rockets left little to doubt in Game 4 at Toyota Center.
They were more aggressive and physical defensively, a significant reason for the Lakers’ 24 turnovers that led to 30 Rockets’ points.
The Rockets finally found an offensive rhythm and attacked the weak points in the Lakers’ defense, helping them score a series-high 115 points on series-bests of 48.1% shooting from the field, 52.9% on 2-pointers (27 of 51) and 40% shooting on 3-pointers (12 of 30).
The Game 4 victory in Houston was so energizing for the Rockets that on Tuesdaystarting forward Jabari Smithsaid: “We’re obviously the better team. I just feel like from top to bottom…we’re the better team.”
One victory gave the Rockets life.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
