The Los Angeles Lakers have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, with injuries and inconsistent performances leaving them with a lot to prove. However, in their recent win against the Phoenix Suns, it was a new face who stepped up and caught the attention of Lakers star Anthony Davis.
Austin Reaves, the rookie guard, showed that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The SG impressed Davis with his skills on the court. Let’s take a closer look at how Reaves made a difference for the Lakers in their time of need.
This has been Austin Reaves this week pic.twitter.com/pEi1JeYzMU
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) March 23, 2023
After nearly two years of facing defeat, the Lakers emerged triumphant against the Suns. In the past, no matter the stage, Phoenix had always managed to outshine the purple and gold. But on Wednesday night, things were different. And the Lakers had their rookie guard, Austin Reaves, to thank for a big part of it.
The Lakers’ victory came from a balanced effort on the offensive end. But it was their free throw shooting that made the biggest difference. In total, the team attempted a whopping 46 free throws, with Reaves accounting for 13 of them – the most by any player on the court that night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAGeCHbo4JE
What did Anthony Davis say about Reeves?
Anthony Davis, who had a strong second-half performance, commended Reaves for stepping up in the team’s time of need. “He’s stepping up, it’s nothing new to us,” Davis said. “We know the type of player he is, and we know what a great playmaker he is. He’s showcasing it right now when we need him the most, and these games are must-wins for us.”
Anthony Davis’ commendation of Reaves shows that he has earned the respect of his teammates and the organization. And the 6′ 5″ tall could be a valuable asset for the Lakers moving forward. As the team continues to navigate through its challenges, Reaves’ emergence as a reliable contributor could prove to be a key factor in their success.
In a season where the Lakers have been searching for consistency, Austin Reaves’ performance against the Suns was a breath of fresh air. His energy and determination on the court were infectious. The exceptional Small Guard proved that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Most free throw attempts over the last 4 games:
53 — Austin Reaves
51 — Jayson Tatum
50 — Damian Lillard
47 — Jimmy ButlerReaves is averaging 13.3 attempts per game in that stretch. pic.twitter.com/xBdQFqsPKF
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 23, 2023
As the Lakers continue their push for a playoff spot, they’ll need more performances like this from their supporting cast. But for now, they can savor a hard-fought victory against a familiar foe and look to build on it in the games to come.
