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Lakers Clutch Performance Fueled by Hayes and Defensive Prowess in Win Over Grizzlies
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, fueled by a late-game surge and a key coaching decision by JJ Redick. With 6:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, Redick briefly re-inserted starter Deandre Ayton before quickly switching back to backup center Jaxson Hayes. The move proved decisive, as the Lakers went on a 10-2 run after Hayes returned, effectively sealing the 111-110 victory.
Redick, explaining his decision post-game, stated simply, “He [Hayes] was playing better.” Hayes, who logged the second-most minutes off the bench this season (23:11), anchored a defense that stifled the Grizzlies down the stretch, forcing turnovers and limiting them to just 1-for-5 shooting.
This win snaps a rough patch for the Lakers, who had lost four of their previous five games. It also highlights the team’s remarkable 11-0 record in “clutch” games, a testament to their defensive tenacity in high-pressure situations. Redick praised the team’s overall defensive performance, pointing out that the Lakers lead the league in clutch field-goal percentage allowed (34.1%) and boast the best clutch-game defensive rating (89.8).
The strong play of starters Jake LaRavia (21 points, 9 rebounds) and Marcus Smart (13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists), filling in for injured players Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, also contributed significantly to the win. Redick emphasized the importance of players embracing their roles, allowing the likes of LeBron James and Luka Dončić to thrive.
The contributions of players like Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, LaRavia, and Hayes, Redick said, “takes the pressure and the load off of LeBron and Luka and AR when he is in the lineup.” Their success raises questions about the Lakers’ roster composition as the trade deadline approaches.
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