The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough test on Sunday in their matchup against the Orlando Magic but were, fortunately, able to pull out a 111-105 victory thanks to a career-high 35-point performance by guard Austin Reaves.
The 24-year-old Reaves shot 9-of-14 from the field and 16-of-18 from the free throw line, while also adding six rebounds and six assists in the win. He helped make up for a lackluster performance from the Lakers’ star players, with point guard D’Angelo Russell finishing with 18 points, and Anthony Davis with 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting, plus 11 rebounds. The performance was so impressive it had NBA Twitter buzzing.
HOW LEBRON AND THE REST OF NBA TWITTER REACTED TO REAVES’ OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE?
Reaves’ performance didn’t go unnoticed, as NBA Twitter including LeBron James himself blew up with praise for the guard. While the Lakers are trying to make a late push for the playoffs and need to replace the production of LeBron James, who has been out with a foot injury, Reaves was able to fill that void on Sunday, and if he continues at this level, he will have a major impact on Los Angeles’ postseason push.
AR YOU A BAD MUTHA…SHUT YO MOUTH!!! You toooooo TOUGH!! đ„đ„đ„đ«Ąđ
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 20, 2023
Austin Reaves is the best player on the floor tonite⊠BOAF TMS.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) March 20, 2023
Who needs Bron when you have "Hillbilly Kobe"? Tonight Austin Reaves had some George Reeves in him. Dare I say he's … athletic? #BoomerSooner
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 20, 2023
Austin Reaves in one night
Saved the Los Angeles Lakers season
Saved Anthony Davisâs career
Saved millions & millions of LAL fans mental health
Set a career high in pointsI speak for everyone, thank you AR pic.twitter.com/cyOVpT12Dq
— ⶠ(@SpeakContext) March 20, 2023
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game counts for the Lakers if they want to make it to the playoffs. As such, the team will need more performances like the one from Reaves on Sunday if they want to make it to the postseason.
Reaves’ performance on Sunday showed just how important he can be to the Lakers’ success. His ability to score and make plays for his teammates was on full display. The Lakers will be back in action on Wednesday when they take on the Phoenix Suns (38-33). It will be interesting to see if Reaves can carry the momentum of his stellar performance into the game.
