Austin Reaves has shone in recent games for the Los Angeles Lakers, although played merely a supporting role against the Nuggets.
The LA Lakers win over the Denver Nuggets was all about one man, with Luka Doncic dominating the game from the very first quarter.
Doncic’s 31 points was the most of any player on the court, amid a consistent team performance from the Lakers where the bench chipped in with 39 points.
Austin Reaves scored 22 points, continuing his impressive form which has recently seen put his name in the Lakers history books.
Austin Reaves spoke ahead of the game with Denver, noting the rivalry between the two teams.
Following the win over the Spurs, he paid tribute to the way Luka Doncic creates space for teammates, allowing him to shine.
Reaves had more positive words for Doncic following the Lakers’ 120-108 win over Denver.
Quoted post game via Ryan Ward, Reaves admitted how much he is enjoying playing alongside Luka Doncic rather than having to play against him.
He explained: “It’s very fun. It’s much better this way than the alternative. Trying to guard him in those situations is almost impossible because he shoots the three so well.
“He’s willing to shoot the mid-range and get to the cup, but his passing is probably, in my opinion, one of his best attributes, so you always have to kind of stay home unless you want to give up a lob. If you’re trying to take the lob away with the low man, he’s going to give up the corner three.”
Doncic’s passing is one of his well-known strengths, but Reaves believes there is another that does not get discussed enough.
Reaves explained: “One really underrated thing about him is how strong he is, and it’s hard to stay in front of him because he uses his strength so well.”
The Luka Doncic trade has made an instant impact for the Lakers, and he keeps on setting records.
He became the youngest Lakers guard in history to record a 20+ point quarter, when he scored 21 in the first. He was more measured the rest of the game, ending with 31.
Doncic has also become the fastest player in Lakers history to record 50 three-pointers, and records like this will keep on falling.
LeBron James is closing in on a comeback, but Doncic’s recent performances have been a gift. The Lakers do not need to rush him back, winning the last three games without him.
