Brooklyn entered the game on a seven-game losing streak. The Lakers entered having won 20 of 25 and were still upset after their Boston loss. Even without half their rotation, the Lakers had weathered being shorthanded during various parts of January and February as they forged a resilient identity they’ve become proud of.

If Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick hasn’t convinced you he’s the right man for the job yet, you’re not paying attention. It is apparent and evident that this iteration of the Lakers is simply different and better than those of years past under Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham—and Vogel coached them to a championship not long ago.