LOS ANGELES — Rookie forward Adou Thiero made the most of his limited floor time in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 105-99 Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 9, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds and scoring four points in 13 minutes at Crypto.com Arena.
Head coach JJ Redick turned to the 20-year-old as the Lakers tried to inject energy into a second-round series they now trail 0-3. Speaking after practice Sunday, Thiero said the opportunity was the payoff for months of rehab and spot duty.
“I prayed for moments like these and worked for moments like these,” Thiero told reporters. “To get that opportunity has been special and go out there and do what I can for the guys.”
The 6-foot-8 wing arrived in October still recovering from knee surgery and later dealt with additional minor injuries, limiting him to 25 regular-season appearances and more than 10 minutes of action only five times. On Saturday he logged the second-most minutes off the bench, trailing only Luke Kennard.
Redick’s decision highlighted the athleticism Thiero brings to a roster that often struggles to match Oklahoma City’s speed. His work on the glass offered a rare boost for a Lakers front line that has been out-rebounded in all three games.
With Game 4 set for Monday in Los Angeles, Thiero’s performance has positioned him for another look as the Lakers attempt to extend the series. Redick also reiterated his confidence in center Deandre Ayton, who has averaged just 9.3 points against the Thunder, saying he expects the veteran to deliver when it matters most.
The Lakers must win to avoid elimination, and Thiero said he will be ready if called upon again. “Whatever the team needs, I’m here,” he said. “I’ll keep working and stay prepared.”
Source: Lakers Nation
