In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings Monday night, head coach JJ Redick praised his team’s defense, particularly its ability to generate 27 turnovers. Helping key that effort defensively were Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle, both of whom received a starting nod. Williams consistently pressed ball-handlers full-court and picked up a steal while Thybulle yielded two takeaways of his own. They were two of the nine different Lakers to record a steal against Sacramento.
Williams also added 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting (3-of-3 from deep) and Thybulle went 2-of-4 beyond the arc. Their play drew compliments from Luka Dončić, who seems quite happy to be playing alongside these defensive-minded wings.
“It felt great. I think we all had fun out there, especially Matisse and Ziaire. Just that beginning of the game, just starting, that’s contagious for everybody,” Dončić said after Monday’s win. “How they started the game was inspirational and the other guys came from the bench and it was amazing just to watch. They were having fun and sharing the ball. I think the whole team had fun today.”
If the Lakers are to be a formidable defensive unit this season, Williams and Thybulle will be integral to their success. One of them will presumably start alongside Dončić, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes and Walker Kessler, while the other will be a crucial reserve.
For both of them, being viable offensive players is imperative. Both have shown some knack as cutters throughout their respective careers but will need to hit 3s at a respectable clip to maximize their opportunity for playing time and boost Los Angeles’ defense. Williams is a career 32.2% outside shooter while Thybulle is at 34.9%. Thybulle must also stay healthy after playing a combined 45 games the past two seasons.
Dončić recognizes how much the Lakers will benefit if they can replicate performances like Monday’s.
“It was amazing. Like I said, it was contagious for everybody,” he said. “The way they started the game, the way they play defense using their hands, it’s one of the best that I’ve seen. Being teammates with them and going against them makes us better and makes them better. It’s just really fun to have them on the team.”
You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.
