Austin Reaves Surprised by Frequent Comparisons to NBA Legends
Austin Reaves, a rising star in the NBA, recently shocked fans and analysts alike with his stunning performance in a game against the Sacramento Kings. In this thrilling match, he scored 51 points, alongside 11 rebounds and 9 assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-120 victory. This remarkable feat places Reaves in the company of NBA legends, generating numerous comparisons to some of the greatest players of all time.
Historic Performance and Comparisons
Reaves’ outstanding game has led to him being mentioned alongside NBA greats such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and Elgin Baylor. After the game, he expressed disbelief at his newfound status, stating, “Every time I see something like that, it’s like, ‘Me?’ ‘Why me?’” This performance not only showcased his talent but also solidified his position in Lakers history, as he became one of the few players to achieve such statistics.
Key Statistics
- Points: 51
- Rebounds: 11
- Assists: 9
- Turnovers: 2
- Team Victory: 127-120 against Sacramento Kings
Reaves’ Journey to the NBA
Austin Reaves grew up in a small Arkansas town, the son of two college basketball players. Despite his impressive high school record, which included scoring 73 points in a single game, he faced challenges in attracting college recruiters. He initially played for Wichita State before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where he averaged 18.3 points in his senior year. Remarkably, he went undrafted and signed a two-way contract with the Lakers, leading to his current success.
Notable Achievements
Before his recent game, Reaves displayed consistent excellence throughout his career. He became only the third rookie in NBA history to record a triple-double with 31 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. Additionally, he was the first Laker since the 1983-84 season to record 45 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in a single game.
Reaves’ Mindset and Future Aspirations
Despite his astonishing achievements, Reaves remains humble. He emphasizes his desire to win over personal stats, stating, “I just want to win. I’m not going out there ‘Oh, I’m going to get 50.’” As the Lakers navigate the season, Reaves’ importance to the team continues to grow, especially in the absence of stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Conclusion
With an average of 44.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists over the past three games without LeBron or Dončić, Reaves has proven himself a crucial asset. His journey from a small-town player to an NBA standout serves as an inspiration. As he continues to defy expectations, the basketball world eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for this talented athlete.
