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Fans torch Lakers’ JJ Redick for late-game decision in Game 4 vs. Thunder
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- Fans torch Lakers’ JJ Redick for late-game decision in Game 4 vs. Thunder
Fans torch Lakers' JJ Redick for late-game decision in Game 4 vs. Thunder appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
JJ Redick deserves a ton of credit for devising a game plan that at least made life difficult for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the Los Angeles Lakers ' semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder . But that doesn't mean that he can't pull off some head-scratchers. In the dying embers of the Lakers' season-ending 115-110 loss to the Thunder in Game 4, he made a confusing decision that not one fan on social media understands.
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With the Lakers down by three, 113-110, after the Thunder took the lead and extended it courtesy of a Chet Holmgren dunk and Gilgeous-Alexander free throws on consecutive possessions, Redick called a timeout to draw up a play.
Curiously, Redick had Maxi Kleber out there on the court instead of Rui Hachimura ; Kleber has barely played in this series, while Hachimura has been on fire from deep for the entire playoffs. (Hachimura had 25 points on the night on 9-15 shooting from the field and 4-8 from deep; in the 2026 NBA playoffs, he shot 33-58 from deep, which was good for 56.8 percent.)
While Kleber's presence didn't end up mattering on the play anyway as the Lakers got an open three-pointer for Austin Reaves , which he missed, Hachimura's absence on the court sparked a ton of reactions, many of which were negative towards Redick.
"Lakers were never winning this series vs OKC, but JJ Redick isn't the coach many think he is. Didn't have Rui Hachimura in when Austin Reaves missed that 3. He put Maxi Kleber in for the 1st time all game. People thought JJ would be Phil Jackson because he has a popular podcast," X user @myguyknowsaguy wrote .
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"Hachimura on the bench in a game we need 3 points to tied. F**K REDICK," @MaestroNFL added .
"JJ Redick actually benched Rui Hachimura in the closing minutes despite him being the best player on the floor. He needs to be interviewed by the fbi," @404xWave furthered .
"Down by 3, JJ Redick takes out the best 3P shooter in the playoffs Rui Hachimura. These hipster coaches man," @madridreligion_ expressed .
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