Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick called for a steady diet of touches for Deandre Ayton after the center delivered a flawless shooting night in the team’s recent win over the Toronto Raptors.
Ayton went 10-of-10 from the field, piling up 25 points and 13 rebounds. According to the club, he is only the third Laker ever to post a 100 percent field-goal mark on at least 10 attempts.
“He was phenomenal,” Redick said. “Getting 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds with that efficiency makes a huge difference for us.”
Los Angeles targeted Ayton early, throwing lobs and entry passes designed to exploit his size. Redick noted that even when initial opportunities failed, teammates kept looking for the 7-footer, who responded by converting several difficult catches in traffic.
The first-year coach emphasized that consistent involvement helps big men stay locked in defensively. “A center sets a lot of screens and rolls without always touching the ball,” he explained. “Rewarding him on a few possessions keeps his energy high at the other end.”
Redick added that the same principle applies to every role player. “The pass is what connects us offensively,” he said. “Even the defensive-minded guys want to feel part of the offense.”
The victory also continued a strong stretch from forward Jarred Vanderbilt, whom Redick commended for “starring in his role” with hustle and defense.
Source: Lakers Nation
