In Game 1, the Timberwolves’ physicality proved too much to handle for the Lakers. Despite majority of the basketball pundits picking them to win, LeBron James and Co. got blown out in their home court, falling behind in the series. After the brutal loss, JJ Redick admitted that his team was not physically ready to compete. “Really when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, like we just didn’t respond immediately to that.” He told the media.
The Lakers need to be better in the next game or else their title dream could end in the first round. In this must-win situation, they are seemingly putting their faith in one star – Rui Hachimura. At least that’s what Dorian Finney-Smith claims. On Saturday, DFS had an underwhelming performance, finishing with only 3 points. So, when he was asked how he plans on making a bigger impact tomorrow, he said, “No, this probably one of those games that it may not be me because they put Rudy Gobert on Rui. So, you know Rui probably gonna get to be in action a lot more than me.”
Although Gobert is a four-time DPOY, his inability to guard multiple positions could be a blessing for JJ Redick. Due to the Lakers’ lack of a true Center, Rudy will likely be given the assignment to guard Rui. And the 27YO Japanese star can use that to his advantage by utilizing his quickness and athleticism to score on The Stifle Tower. Well, Hachimura did not get many shot attempts in Game 1, as he scored only 9 points, making three of his seven three-point attempts. But Dorian believes that Rui’s volume will increase in tomorrow’s game.
That will give Redick another scoring option to rely on, which was a major problem on Saturday. Meanwhile, DFS knows how he can make his presence felt, “I’ll probably be in the corner a little bit more. But I can affect the game defensively you know crashing the glass, finding ways to cut, you know just being active. I gotta be a little bit more active and I felt like last game I allowed not touching the ball kind of messed with my energy and I gotta do better.” If the supporting cast plays their role to perfection, the Lakers will likely have a much better showing than they did in the first game, especially after Redick’s latest confession.
JJ Redick hints at regret as he reveals Lakers’ practice details ahead of Game 2
After Saturday’s loss, LeBron claimed the team will be better prepared on Tuesday. And that’s exactly what the Lakers have been doing these past couple of days. Following today’s practice session, Redick sent a stern message to the Wolves, claiming the Lakers had their best practice in months and worked up a good lather. Yes, the LA team is ready for tomorrow, realizing that another loss at home will put them in a deep hole.
However, today’s incredible session also sparked some regret in Redick as he reportedly wondered if they should have scrimmaged more in the week off heading into Game 1. Maybe, that would have prepared them better for Anthony Edwards and Co.’s physicality. But what’s done cannot be undone and its time to focus on what lies ahead.
JJ Redick said in retrospect he and his coaching staff wonder if they should have scrimmaged more with the week off going into Game 1. He said LAL had their best practice in months today and worked up a good lather
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 21, 2025
That’s exactly what Dorian Finney-Smith is doing, as he claimed, “We’ll be ready tomorrow and be ready for the war… Evey game different. Just gotta come out there and be the better team. They was the better team the first game and it’s a whole new game. We just gotta try to come out here and get this win. It’s a very important must-win and especially if we’re trying to do something special, we gotta get this win.” Do you think the Lakers can tie the series tomorrow following Redick’s positive revelation?
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