Sunday night, Austin Reaves became the first player in NBA history to assist on an alley-oop dunk to a father and son in the same game. This incredible accomplishment speaks to his unparalleled status within the game of basketball. The 27-year-old guard tossed a perfect lob pass to Bronny James, assisting the rookie’s only points of the game. Earlier, he’d thrown a lob from halfcourt on the same play to LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Miami Heat in Sunday’s NBA Finals rematch, coming away with a 130-120 win. It was Reaves’ performance to build on, realizing a career night with 26 points and 11 assists. He really demonstrated his ability to make his teammates’ games better. Immediately, I thought of the deep connection he established with LeBron James. Now, his recent assist to Bronny brings a smart and addictive new layer to his already exceptional résumé.
Reaves has earned a reputation throughout the league for his playmaking ability. After the game, he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm from having scored on historic alley-oop.
“I’ve got to be the first person in NBA history to throw a father a lob and a son a lob. I don’t know. Got to be, right? While they’re still on the same team.” – Austin Reaves
Bronny James’s first points were on a lob from Reaves. In a mere 18 minutes of play, he was disruptive with three steals and two assists. Even with his prowess on offense limited to scoring, his show out still showcased his elite defensive prowess and playmaking ability.
Reaves’ ability to connect with both LeBron and Bronny on alley-oop dunks is unprecedented in the league’s history over the past 25 years. This accomplishment further underscores Reaves’ remarkable performance. It signifies a special era in NBA history where both LeBron and Bronny take the court as teammates in Los Angeles.
Reaves put into funny words what made the scene so magical. He added, “I checked out after that. It was a unique moment. This speaks to his awareness of the importance of the moment, both in terms of his own career and on behalf of the game.
In another notable performance during the same game, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks led all scorers with 29 points, adding 11 rebounds and 10 assists as part of a standout triple-double.
Austin Reaves is taking the NBA by storm so far this season. The way fans across the NFL remember and celebrate this landmark moment will help define it and serve to reinforce his legacy in the league.
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