Lakers preaching importance of Game 5: ‘Have to kill them’
The Lakers are preparing for a crucial Game 5 against the Rockets after losing Game 4. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the difficulty of closing out a playoff series, recalling his own experience with a 3-1 lead that was lost. The Rockets, having gained momentum from their recent victory, are now more confident heading into the next game.
- ▪Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted the challenges of closing out a playoff series.
- ▪The Rockets won Game 4 with a series-high 115 points and improved shooting percentages.
- ▪Historically, no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs.
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NBA Lakers preaching importance of Game 5: ‘Have to kill them’ By Khobi Price Published April 28, 2026, 6:47 p.m. ET Lakers coach JJ Redick knows how difficult it is to close out a playoff series. When asked ahead of Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Rockets about the challenge of closing out a series, Redick was quick to provide a reminder that he was on the Clippers team that blew the 3-1 series lead to the Rockets in the 2015 Western Conference semifinals before eventually losing the series in seven games. But he was also on the Magic team that forced a Game 6 in the 2010 Eastern Conference finals matchup to the Celtics after trailing 3-0 in the series.
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