It has become extremely clear this season that the Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt combination of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is one of the best offensive duos in the league. But since returning from his calf injury, Reaves hasn’t been quite as aggressive or effective as he was earlier in the year when he was on an All-Star pace.
But with LeBron James sitting out his second consecutive game against the New York Knicks, the Lakers needed Reaves to get back to his aggressive, early-season self, and he did just that. Reaves finished with 25 points, ending a streak of eight consecutive games under 20 points, to go along with four rebounds, five assists and three steals in the Lakers’ 110-97 victory.
Of course, Doncic led the way offensively with 35 points and eight rebounds, but it was great to see Reaves getting in the paint and creating as he does so well. And afterwards, Luka had a ton of praise for his backcourt partner.
“It’s just great being his teammate,” Doncic said after the win. “Obviously, he needs to be aggressive like this, but just playing with him is so easy, because he draws so much attention, helps others too. So, just playing with him, it makes my life easy.”
Doncic saying positive things about Reaves is notable in itself as he has regularly refused to do so for most of this season as the “bromance” between the two has grown. That aside, Luka recognizes how important Reaves is to the success of the Lakers, especially when he is aggressive in attacking the paint.
Reaves being at his best forces the defense to shift their attention which only opens things up for Luka even more, and any extra space that Doncic can get to operate just makes him that much more dangerous. Reaves also takes pressure off Luka to have to create every time down the court, allowing him to rest a bit and take a break knowing the offense is still in good hands.
With both Reaves and Doncic being high IQ players who can attack, shoot and pass at a high level, it is nearly impossible for most teams to deal with. Reaves makes Luka’s life easier and vice versa, which ultimately makes the Lakers a better team.
Austin Reaves believes Lakers played harder than Knicks in win
While both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were excellent, it was the Lakers’ defense which carried them to victory over the Knicks and Reaves feels they ultimately just played harder than their opponents.
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