Reaves Scores Career-High 51 as Lakers Triumph Without Luka
Austin Reaves achieved a remarkable milestone in the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent game, scoring a career-high 51 points. This exceptional performance led the Lakers to a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings, showcasing Reaves’ capacity to step up in the absence of key players.
Career-High Performance
Reaves delivered an outstanding game, accumulating 51 points, along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists. His scoring breakdown included:
- First Quarter: 7 points
- Second Quarter: 14 points
- Third Quarter: 15 points
- Fourth Quarter: 15 points
Notably, Reaves shot 12-for-22 from the field, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, and made an impressive 21-for-22 from the free-throw line. His fourth three-pointer marked the 500th of his career, ranking him ninth on the franchise’s all-time list.
Context of the Game
The Lakers played without star players LeBron James and Luka Doncic. James was sidelined due to right sciatica, while Doncic missed the game due to a left finger sprain and a lower leg contusion. Both players are expected to be out for several weeks, prompting Reaves to take on a leadership role.
Prior to the game, Doncic texted Reaves, urging him to aim for 60 points. Jarred Vanderbilt, a teammate, humorously suggested 50 points would be needed, a goal Reaves exceeded. “I wasn’t in my head thinking, ‘You got to go score 50,’” Reaves stated after the game. “It was, ‘Do whatever you can do to help the team win.’”
Supporting Contributions
Reaves’ stellar play highlighted teamwork, with notable contributions from other Lakers players:
- Deandre Ayton: 22 points and 15 rebounds
- Rui Hachimura: 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting
- Marcus Smart: 11 points in his first start
- Jake LaRavia: 11 points off the bench
Impact on the Franchise
Reaves became the 12th player in Lakers history to score over 50 points in a game. His achievement not only showcased his talent but also reinforced the team’s potential to win without their star players.
Lakers Coach JJ Redick remarked on the victory’s significance, emphasizing that the team can still compete fiercely despite missing key talent. Reaves’ determination and focus ensured the Lakers did not miss their stars too much, at least for this game.
