Even JJ Reddick was impressed by the Celtics player’s crafty defensive strategy

ByNBAUSA



The historic rivalry between Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics took center stage at Cripto.com Arena on Sunday, finishing with a disappointing 111-89 loss at home. While the game remained competitive through three quarters, Boston pulled away in the final frame, with Jaylen Brown holding a 32-point masterclass. The Lakers’ frustrations boiled over as the team received three technical fouls, with Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and Coach JJ Redick punished for arguing the referee’s decisions. Even Luka Dončić, who finished with a modest 25 pointshe joked about the situation after the game, noting that if he wasn’t the one getting the technical, the officiating must be really questionable.

The tension centered around a few specific non-calls that left the Lakers’ coaching staff scrambling for answers. According to the post Oh No He Didn’t on Ks, JJ Redick solved three technical errors by pointing out the goalkeeper’s missed call on a LeBron James laying.

Redick noted that Celtics center Neemias Cueto used a “sneaky” strategy that stunned him. “They missed an obvious LeBron layup that was hit off the backboard, and Cueta went into the whole, I can’t jump that high, so he put his whole arm through the rim,” Redick said.

The coach said he would seek clarification on the legality of the move, jokingly adding that “honestly, it’s a great way to defend the floater.” A separate video has surfaced showing Redick even trying to mimic the layup by grabbing the rim himself to emphasize the point.

Despite the refereeing drama, LeBron James praised Jaylen Brown’s ability to contain the Celtics float during Jayson Tatum’s absence. James acknowledged that Brown is playing with a chip on his shoulder after Boston’s roster was overhauled in the offseason.

While James alluded to past friction, particularly Brown’s viral Summer League comments regarding Brony James, he maintained that their relationship has remained civil and respectful.

For the 34-22 Lakers, the focus now shifts to controlling their emotions and finding more offensive consistency as they look to overcome this bitter rivalry loss.





2026-02-23 15:45:00

Similar Posts