The Los Angeles Lakers’ current two-game road trip got off to a thrilling start after Austin Reaves sank a game-winner to bury the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-115. The shot capped off what’s been a massive week for Reaves, beginning with his career-high 51 points he dropped on the Sacramento Kings last Sunday in a win.
Following the win against the Timberwolves, Austin Reaves remained humble when speaking about the game-winner and his hectic week so far, as per ESPN.
“I’m still not gonna talk about myself,” Reaves said. “It’s fun, I love to play the game of basketball. Obviously I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without our coaching staff believing in me, the players believing in me, and just having so much joy playing basketball. It’s fun. Just guys stepping up after people going down, it’s big.”
The Lakers have dealt with major injury issues to start the year, beginning with LeBron James’ season debut delayed due to a nerve injury. Matters were made worse when it was announced that Luka Dončić would be sidelined for at least one week as he battles both a finger and a leg injury.
But with the Lakers’ star duo sidelined, Reaves has made the case that it should be a star trio instead. Following his 51 points against the Kings, he dropped 41 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers as the Lakers were extremely short-handed. And then came the game-winner against the Timberwolves.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has mentioned how one of the ways in which he challenged Reaves was to take on more of a leadership role. He’s made it a point to convey to Reaves that this team is as much his as it is James’ or Dončić’s.
After the Lakers grabbed the win against the Wolves, Redick explained why he has unwavering confidence in Reaves, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“That guy is going to show up in the big moments,” Redick said. “Not surprised. He’s done that many times in his career, he’s done many times since I’ve been his coach. I feel very comfortable with him making decisions in late game.”
Reaves had appeared in all four of the Lakers’ games this season coming into Wednesday’s matchup against the Wolves. He had been averaging 35.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.8 steals with shooting splits of 57.3 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from three-point range, and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line. He also was leading the league in free-throw attempts at 12.8 per game.
This offseason is shaping up to be a big one for Reaves, as he can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. Reaves turned down a contract extension from the Lakers this past offseason, but that does not necessarily mean he won’t be in purple and gold for years to come. Financially, it’s better for him to opt out and re-sign on a longer deal with the Lakers once the season is over.
If he keeps up this level of play, an All-Star appearance might be in the not-so-distant future.
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