The Los Angeles Lakers secured an impressive victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, highlighted by their ability to compete on a challenging road game. Facing a young and energetic Blazers team, the Lakers successfully matched their intensity, which has typically posed problems in past seasons. Austin Reaves reflected on the team's growth, emphasizing improved composure and understanding of playing against spirited opponents. Head Coach JJ Redick underscored that consistent hard work is vital for success, marking a shift in the team’s approach under his leadership.
"I think in the past, especially my first two years and maybe a little bit my third year, little bit last year, I don't know that we would have won this game," Reaves said. "I think in the past, young, athletic teams have played really, really hard. You obviously have to match their physicality and pace and you have to stay poised through it all. I feel like this year, we've done a really good job of matching that intensity and also playing with IQ as well. I think that's a major leap from what we've done in the past."
"Part of the problem is many of those teams were veteran players who didn't have as much left in the tank to match that intensity in a mid-February game. The other part of that is the general approach the team had for those games, something that came from the top down."
"Playing hard is how teams can compete night-to-night," head coach JJ Redick stated, highlighting the importance of intensity in maintaining competitiveness throughout the season.
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