Austin Reaves has as thrilling performance as well, going for 51 points and setting a new career high. His amazing talent guided the Los Angeles Lakers to an exhilarating 127-120 win over the Sacramento Kings. It was an amazing game that saw the Lakers stand tall even without their superstar, Luka Doncic. He was temporarily benched with a sprained finger and a bruised lower leg. LeBron James just announced he’ll be out at least three weeks with a sciatica injury. It’s likely he remains on the court through at least mid-November.
Reaves really showcased his offensive ability by hitting the most difficult shots on the floor, going 12-22 from the field with six threes. His shooting efficiency was a huge factor in keeping the Lakers in the game as they constantly had to battle back from behind. He pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out nine assists, further illustrating his impact in all phases of the game on both ends of the floor.
This is definitely an accomplishment to put on your resume, Reaves! He’s now just the fourth player over the last 40 years to record at least 50 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a game. He joins an illustrious group that features Luka Doncic, Russell Westbrook (twice), and James Harden (twice). Elgin Baylor had a spectacular story on February 13, 1963. One of these games included him recording an astounding 50 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists—the last time a Lakers player managed to score that way.
Historic in value, Reaves’ performance was clutch. In the last 32 seconds of the game, he made the big plays and hit all four free throws. Thanks to his efforts his team walked away with the win. Victory locked down. His ability to perform under pressure highlighted his importance to the Lakers, particularly during this challenging period with key players sidelined.
Additionally, at some point during this game, Reaves hit the 500th three-pointer of his career, another milestone in his blossoming career. The 2023 NBA Summer League MVP’s scorings, rebounding and overall playmaking underscored his importance towards the success on the Los Angeles Lakers. This performance is just a glimpse into his bright potential for the future.
As the Lakers navigate this season without their top scorers, Reaves’ standout performance against the Kings demonstrates his capability to step up when needed most. His contributions quickly became necessary for the team, especially given injuries to key players.
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