The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Brooklyn Nets for their 14th win in their last 16 games. Afterward, head coach JJ Redick discussed the win and several other topics.

The Lakers ended up winning comfortably, but the whole game did not reflect the final score. At half time, Los Angeles only led by two points despite shooting 56.1% from the field and 46.2% from 3-point range.

“I felt like we were a step slow,” Redick said. “And I told the guys at halftime, this is our seventh game in the World Cup.

“Between this, you're just in another city until you can get adjusted to the time zone and you get a couple days break,” he added. “So, the next two days will be good for us.”

Before hosting Brooklyn, the Lakers embarked on a six-game road trip that featured the Houston Rockets twice, the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers. The Nets did not shoot nearly as well in the first half (46.2% from the field, 30.4% from the perimeter), and Redick made it clear that the Lakers were not as quick getting to 50-50 balls for most of the night, though their defense improved throughout the course of the game.

Redick credited Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, who combined for eight blocks in the win. Additionally, Redick highlighted the Lakers’ ability to shoot over 50% from the field throughout the game. By the final buzzer, Los Angeles had shot 54.3% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc.

“You're tired and cranky and you gotta play through stuff,” Redick said. “And I thought our guys — they managed it.”

Luka Doncic led the way for the Lakers with 41 points. However, he was assessed his 16th technical foul of the season in the third quarter as part of a double call for shoving Nets forward Ziaire Williams; meaning he will be suspended for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Washington Wizards at home. 

Doncic originally received his 16th technical foul after verbally sparring with Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze in the Lakers’ March 21 win, but the league rescinded it. According to ESPN, the suspension will cost Doncic 1/174 of his annual salary, equivalent to $260,000.

Doncic has been having a March to remember as he is averaging 37.2 points and has had multiple games scoring 40-plus points.

“He's doing a great job of touching the paint right now for us,” Redick said. “That's been big, and not just for him to score, but also for him to collapse the defense. And I think that's when our offense is at its best when him and A.R. and LeBron in transition with those guys can get in the paint.”

Redick also praised Austin Reaves who, after a slow start, ignited in the fourth quarter for 15 points on 4-5 shooting from the field and 4-4 from 3-point range. Redick praised Reaves for his mental toughness and eventually finding his rhythm.