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[Saba Sports News] Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick let his team have it during a fiery moment in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
Despite leading 58-43 at halftime, the Lakers came out sluggish in the third quarter. Minnesota quickly opened the half on an 8-4 run, capped by a thunderous Anthony Edwards dunk. With his team lacking energy and focus, Redick called a timeout and erupted as the players headed to the bench.
“Time out. What the f— is going on? Jesus f—ing Christ, what the f— are you guys doing? Come on!” Redick shouted.
After the game, Redick explained the outburst to reporter Rachel Nichols, saying his goal was to “hit the urgency button” for his squad.
The message landed. The Lakers responded with a 7-0 run out of the timeout and never allowed the Timberwolves to get within single digits again, cruising to a 94-85 win.
Following a flat 117-95 loss in Game 1, Redick had criticized his team’s lack of physicality. In Game 2, they answered that call, out-rebounding Minnesota 41-34 and holding them to their lowest point total of the season.