As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a high-stakes second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, head coach JJ Redick is already setting the tone, and perhaps sending a subtle message to officials.
The Thunder have built a reputation over the past few seasons as one of the most disruptive defensive units in the league, all while somehow avoiding fouls at a remarkable rate. Redick didn’t shy away from addressing that narrative following practice.
“They don’t foul, so the whistles aren’t gonna be there,” Redick said. “You accept that going in. They don’t foul.”
It’s a statement that walks the line between respect and strategy. Oklahoma City finished the regular season with the league’s top-rated defense while committing just 19 fouls per game, among the lowest marks in the NBA. With defenders like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso applying constant pressure, opponents often find themselves frustrated trying to generate clean looks or draw contact.
But Redick made it clear this isn’t just about one aspect of their defense, it’s the complete package that makes them so dangerous.
“You’re talking about a team that is top five in every category that’s disruptive based,” Redick said. “Steals, blocks, turnovers forced, all that stuff. And they don’t foul. They somehow do all of that without fouling, which is one of the most remarkable things, I think, in NBA history.”
Redick didn’t stop there either, placing this Thunder squad in rare historical company when discussing their dominance.
“We saw a stat in our morning meeting this morning of teams that have had back-to-back, or even more than that 10 or more better net ratings in consecutive seasons. You’re talking about the 95-96 Bulls, the 96-97 Bulls and then the 15-17 Warriors,” Redick said.
“You’re literally talking about two of the greatest teams of all-time. I said to a bunch of people yesterday off-site that were talking about this series to me I said, ‘The Thunder is one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history.’ That’s just the reality. They are. They’re that good. I think our guys recognize that and respect that and we know what kind of task we have in front of us.”
READ MORE: JJ Redick’s Defensive Gamble Pays Off Against Rockets