Marcus Sensible choosing up 4 fouls in 12 first-half minutes wasn’t the plan Tuesday, however the Lakers guard nonetheless noticed a function behind the maddening calls.
For a crew that signed the 31-year-old guard largely for his tenacity, having Sensible set the usual of physicality was the precise technique to begin a season, even when the season-opening outcome went the incorrect means for the Lakers.
“The toughest team,” Sensible stated, “sets the rules.”
“I’ve been in this league for 12 years and that’s always been the motto,” the previous NBA defensive participant of the yr continued. “You see it. The team that comes out more physical, the momentum is kind of going their way, and that’s how it is. We want to be the toughest team from start to the end.”
Now in opposition to the crew that bullied them out of the playoffs final yr, the Lakers get to check their toughness on Friday at 7 p.m. at Crypto.com Enviornment in a rematch of final yr’s first-round sequence.
Movie from final yr’s five-game sequence in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves has been rolling in entrance of coach JJ Redick for days as he fell down a deep rabbit gap getting ready for the sport. The clips aren’t wanted to immediate a revenge storyline, Redick stated, however may assist create a unique sort of motivation for a crew that’s attempting to interrupt in three offseason additions.
“After Game 1, our guys played so hard,” Redick stated. “And this group has to build a habit of playing that hard every single night.”
The Timberwolves (1-0) are nonetheless constructed across the brilliance of 24-year-old star guard Anthony Edwards and the size and physicality of submit gamers Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. The Lakers — with out star LeBron James (sciatica) — are attempting to construct chemistry again up with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves whereas incorporating free agent signings Sensible, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.
Some connections between Ayton and his guards went awry within the opener that featured 20 Lakers turnovers within the loss to the Golden State Warriors. Constructing chemistry each offensively and defensively will occur naturally over the season, Reaves harassed, and may’t essentially be rushed.
Sensible has been tasked with being a main communicator on protection, together with Ayton and guard Gabe Vincent. The position fits the veteran guard who has turn out to be a loud voice within the locker room regardless of solely arriving this season. With each his vocal management and his tenacious effort on the court docket — diving for unfastened balls and stepping up in hopes of drawing offensive fouls — Sensible stated he desires to set an instance for the Lakers in opposition to even essentially the most bodily groups within the league.
“There’s a will, there’s always a way,” Sensible stated. “And in the game of basketball, there’s a lot of will, so there’s a lot of ways. We just got to figure out which one works for us.”
Edwards is coming off a spectacular 41-point season debut within the Timberwolves’ 118-114 win over the Portland Path Blazers. He not solely scored essentially the most factors in franchise historical past for a season opener however did so whereas capturing 50% from the sector (14 for 28) and battling again spasms that made him questionable coming into the sport.
Lakers guard Marcus Sensible throws his arms overhead as he reacts after a missed name within the second quarter of the sport in opposition to the Warriors on Tuesday at Crypto.com Enviornment.
(Harry How / Getty Photographs)
The 24-year-old three-time All-Star is coming off a career-high 27.6 factors per recreation final yr after main the Timberwolves to their second consecutive look within the Western Convention finals.
“He’s a tough shot maker, shifty, he’s athletic,” LaRavia stated, “so you kind of just have to make everything difficult for him, be physical with him. … At the end of the day, he’s going to make shots, because that’s what he’s paid to do, and we’ve just got to do our best to not let that happen.”
Austin Reaves battling by ankle damage
Reaves was a modified participant in apply Thursday after he “tweaked” his ankle in Tuesday’s recreation, Redick stated. Reaves, who had 26 factors and 9 assists in opposition to the Warriors, was held out of reside play. Redick stated the guard’s availability will come right down to how Reaves feels forward of Friday’s recreation.
“I know Austin,” Redick stated, “I’m going to expect him to play.”
Doncic was a full participant in apply Thursday after he appeared to undergo a groin damage throughout Tuesday’s season opener. The guard, coming off a 43-point efficiency, downplayed any damage instantly after the sport.
