The Los Angeles Lakers achieved their first preseason victory under new head coach JJ Redick, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 107-102 at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night. The win was highlighted by a remarkable 31-4 run in the final quarter.
Austin Reaves did not play due to ankle soreness, allowing Max Christie to step into the starting lineup alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell. Christie contributed with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, while Hachimura scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds. The game was significantly influenced by the Lakers’ bench players, particularly Dalton Knecht, who tallied 13 points and eight rebounds, and Quincy Olivari, who added 11 points and five rebounds.
Despite trailing by 15 points at one point in the fourth quarter, the Lakers exploded offensively, scoring 20 consecutive points to take control of the game with less than five minutes remaining. Olivari played a key role in the comeback, hitting three three-pointers during the pivotal run.
Redick praised Olivari’s impact, stating that his performance was a model for what the coaching staff expects from players in similar positions. The Lakers’ starters, including James, who scored 11 points, and Davis, who recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, played limited minutes as both sat out significant portions of the second half.
The Bucks, who held a 58-52 lead at halftime, were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo with 20 points and Bobby Portis, who scored 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting off the bench. Milwaukee opted not to play their starters in the second half.
The matchup also marked a reunion between Redick and Bucks coach Doc Rivers, with whom he shared a history from their time together on the Los Angeles Clippers. Both coaches expressed that there were no lingering issues between them despite previous public criticisms.
Redick shared that he regretted the tone of his past critiques of Rivers while working as an NBA analyst. He emphasized that he has moved on, and there’s no animosity between them.
This game also saw former Lakers coach Darvin Ham, now an assistant on the Bucks’ staff, opposing the team he once led. Overall, the game served as a significant moment for Redick in his inaugural coaching role.