Lakers Not Overreacting After Knicks Win, Redick Warns

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The Los Angeles Lakers beat the New York Knicks 110-97 without LeBron James, but JJ Redick stressed calm. The result moved the Lakers to 39-25 and fifth in the Western Conference. Redick highlighted the strong run, yet warned against any emotional swings. The coach underlined that one impressive win should not change how the team views its season.

The Lakers are 5-1 across their last six games and 15-9 over the previous 24. During that stretch, the team has performed as a top-10 offense and top-15 defense. Redick said that level was the target when the season started. The coach believes the current numbers show the group is tracking where planned, rather than suddenly surging.

Redick was clear about the need for perspective after the victory. "I'm not in a position where I can overreact," Redick said. "You guys [in the media] do that. The fans, rightfully so, should always overreact. It's what makes fandom so awesome. My job is not to overreact. We're 15-9 in our last 24. We're a top-10 offense and a top-15 defense. That's what we wanted to be coming into the season with this group, and that's where our group is right now."

With James missing, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves carried the scoring and organisation for Los Angeles. Doncic controlled the defence and finished with 35 points. Reaves added 25 points and provided constant movement. The duo’s production helped the Lakers handle a Knicks side that has recently been in strong form and has tested many opponents.

Doncic praised Reaves’ influence on the court. "It's just great being his teammate," Doncic said of Reaves. "Obviously, he needs to be aggressive like this, but just playing with him is so easy because he draws so much attention, helps others too. So, just playing with him, it makes my life easy."

Reaves felt the game reflected work done across several outings, not a sudden change. "When I got here, Ijust told myself to have fun," Reaves said. "I don't feel like I've played bad [recently]. I just haven't made a lot of shots, and I feel like I've done a lot of other things well." The performance against the Knicks matched that view and supported Redick’s broader message of steady progress for the Lakers.