The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for answers, and lately, they've found a reliable remedy in the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a hard-fought victory, head coach JJ Redick offered a unique take on his team's performance, highlighting a modern metric that's gaining traction in the NBA.

"We won expected score, so it was good enough to win," Redick said, as shared by Oh No He Didn't on X (formerly Twitter). For basketball purists, this stat measures the quality of shot attempts—essentially, the Lakers generated enough high-percentage looks to secure the win, even if the final score was tight. It's a nod to the analytics-driven approach that's reshaping how coaches evaluate success beyond just the box score.

The Lakers have struggled against the Thunder in recent matchups, making every victory precious as they jockey for playoff positioning. Redick's emphasis on "expected score" underscores a broader trend in the league: teams are increasingly valuing process over outcome, focusing on shot selection and defensive efficiency. For fans, it's a reminder that sometimes, the numbers tell a story the eye test might miss.

Whether you're a stat geek or a traditionalist, this win shows the Lakers are adapting—and that's a good sign for their championship aspirations.