The Lakers-Timberwolves Game 4 was a back-and-forth battle that saw the Timberwolves narrowly edge out a huge victory. The Lakers will now return home for Game 5 down 3-1. JJ Redick and the Lakers coaching staff have been trying to figure out how to match the depth and defensive toughness of the Timberwolves this series, and on Sunday, revealed that they simply do not trust their bench in important playoff minutes. JJ Redick actually made history in the game by not making a single substitution in the second half. This decision may have contributed to the Lakers’ loss. Now, for the Lakers vs Wolves Game 5, Redick will need to look at his rotations to try and solve the team’s bench issues.
JJ Redick just became the first coach in the play-by-play era to play five players for an entire half in the playoffs.
James, Doncic, Reaves, Hachimura & Finney-Smith played the entire second half today.
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) April 27, 2025
JJ Redick Makes NBA History, Bench May Doom Lakers
Redick Makes NBA History
Already in his first playoffs as a head coach, Redick is making history. This is not an NBA playoff record that Redick will likely hang his hat on, but it did reveal how Redick feels about the Lakers’ bench and their ability to play key minutes these playoffs. Redick decided to keep the same five players in for the entire second half of the game, something that had never been done in the play-by-play era.
NBA Playoff history in today’s Game 4: the first time a team has ever played the same 5 players for a whole half.
No substitutions at all from JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/yIWP2hkiAY
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 27, 2025
The Lakers’ stars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, played heavy minutes, each playing all but two minutes of the game. The Lakers only had one player outside of their second half starting five with over 10 minutes, which was Gabe Vincent with 13. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves had seven different players play at least 20 minutes in the game.
Lakers Run Out of Gas
This decision by Redick did come with a price. Although keeping the starters in allowed the Lakers to stay in the game, the Lakers’ second half five eventually ran out of gas. The Lakers had a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter but were unable to hold on as the Timberwolves made a late-game surge.
It was clear from the Timberwolves’ late-game run that the Lakers’ starters were simply not able to keep up. Especially with 40-year-old James and defensively-challenged Doncic not getting any second-half rest. The Lakers were doomed to wear out late.
Lakers vs Wolves Game 5
For the Lakers vs Wolves upcoming Game 5, Redick is going to need to change things up. There is no question that the Lakers are going to need to lean heavily on their stars to win. However, the question becomes how much the coaching staff can lean before they break.
It is going to be hard to win a playoff series only being able to rely on five of your players. One of the Lakers’ other players is going to need to step up in Game 5. If not, the series could be over early. One player to look at to see more minutes is Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt was a key contributor for the Lakers during their playoff run a few years ago. He has only played 28 total minutes this series. He is offensively limited but has size and can play great defense. If Redick can lean on Vanderbilt for a few more minutes in Game 5, it could provide just enough relief for James and Doncic to keep control for all four quarters.
Photo credit: © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
