One constant from Luke Walton this season, whether the Los Angeles Lakers win or lose, are in a close game or blowout, has been an emphasis on defense. It’s what he said allowed for the team to overcome the worst free-throw shooting percentage in NBA history to beat the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
And defense was what Walton pointed to was the difference maker in what was shaping to be a shootout with the New York Knicks. “Defense. That was the only message at halftime. During our home winning streak, we’ve been really, really good defensively,” Walton said.