Austin Reaves Is Blossoming Into An NBA Star, Sparks Epic Comeback

The Los Angeles Lakers were in desperate need of a game-time hero following a 22-point deficit to start the second quarter, and Austin Reaves emerged in style to give the Lakers a – home victory versus the Phoenix Suns.

Austin Reaves Energized The Team In Two-Ways

Reaves ended the night with 26 points (8/12 FG, 5/7 3FG, 5/6 FTS), eight assists, four rebounds, three steals, and a block.

The 26-year-old guard showed fierce tenacity on all ends of the court, boasting endless energy through 36 minutes of gameplay. Austin Reaves made his mark on tonight’s game by displaying his capabilities as one of the Lakers’ main offensive vessels. 

Not only did Reaves display impressive efficiency in scoring, shooting 67% from the field and 71% from behind the arc, but the third-year NBA star handled an increased on-ball responsibility with poise and intention.

Not only did Austin Reaves record eight assists in tonight’s game, but he was also applauded by coach JJ Redick for his “thrust (and) pace” when dictating the team’s offensive flow.

“He’s a guy that has thrust and a pace to his offensive game in the halfcourt…” said Redick, “… every day, it’s like he keeps getting better and showing more… I knew he was good; I didn’t realize he was this good. He’s a fantastic basketball player.”

Collective Efforts Sealed The Victory

NBA: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers | Guard Austin Reaves
Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Despite Reaves’s lights-out performance, this home victory against the Suns can be seen as a ferocious team win.

Anthony Davis, who finished the game with 35 points (11/18 FG, 0/0 3 FG, 13/17 FTS), recorded back-to-back 30-point games and continues to take leaps in his already seasoned game.

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With the help of LeBron James’s second-half redemption, Rui Hachimura’s physical interior game, and efforts from the rest of the rotation, the Lakers go up 2-0 for the first time since the 2010-2011 season under Phil Jackson.

When asked about the collective shift from the first half to the second half, Austin Reaves chalked up the victory to the team “competing harder.”

“I think we just started competing harder,” Reaves said to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell, “As Coach [JJ Redick] said at halftime, we had a bad first quarter, and we can’t afford to have another one. That was basically the message.”

The Los Angeles Lakers will play their third home game versus the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night before embarking on a five-game road trip.

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