Houston Rockets head coach Udoka explains how JJ Reddick’s La Lakers star can make life difficult for his opponents.
In an age where most teams rely on three-point fire, manager Imedoka, under the Houston rocket, relies on traditional big men.
First of all, it gives them advantages on the defensive side of the floor, whilst overtaking their enemies. But it also helps to limit the opposing teams from filming too many 3-pointers.
Udoka’s strategy has brought wonders to the Rockets this season, but the Los Angeles Lakers were able to effectively counter this strategy.
The Rockets have rested most of the major stars during their recent 140-109 loss at the hands of the Lakers.
However, the two sides collided with full strength a few days ago. Many were hoping that the Lakers would compete with Rocket’s Big Man lineup.
Purple and Gold head coach JJ Redick has not been effective in using Jaxson Hayes. The Rockets were hoping Hayes would play heavy hours, but he was only in court for just 14 minutes in a 104-98 victory.
In fact, Hayes played most of the first half’s minutes. He played just 2 minutes and 43 seconds in the second half.
Relying on the smallball lineup allowed Redick to stay one step ahead of the opposing team’s head coach.
When the team loses against the Lakers, most people expect it to be their big three jobs: LeBron James, Luka Donsic and Austin Reeves.
But coach Udoka believes Hayes’ absence from the courthouse really makes the Lakers a dangerous team.
“If there’s no Hayes there, the interval is totally different. (The Lakers) switch more to defense. That’s a battle of will as long as we play a bigger lineup and their smaller lineup,” Udoka said.
Udoka believes this will allow more impact on the courts, such as Louis Hachimura and Dorian Finney Smith.
It will be interesting to see if Redick sticks to this strategy.