The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 110-97 in Sunday’s nationally televised showcase behind an impressive performance from Austin Reaves. Head coach JJ Redick told the media pregame that he wanted AR to be more aggressive, and the 27-year-old offered an immediate answer. It was his first 20-point game since Feb. 20 and helped Reaves break out of a slump when the Lakers needed it.
LeBron James missed his second straight game, and the Lakers have to stack every win as they try to climb the standings in the crowded Western Conference. The Knicks were sending two at Luka Doncic and forcing someone else to step up. LA needed Reaves, and he delivered.
The 6’5 wing had been struggling to fit in when playing next to Luka and LeBron. Fans saw early in the season what Reaves could do as the number two option when James was out. AR answered the bell in the second half against the Pacers and found another level against the Knicks without LBJ.
Austin Reaves was more aggressive after JJ Redick’s challenge
It was clear the message was delivered from the jump. Reaves had the Lakers' first five points and was clearly in attack mode. It led to him having 17 first-half points, which was his most since November. Fans know AR was playing like an All-Star to start the year, and they saw that option return against the Knicks in the marquee showdown.
Reaves finished with 25 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals, and two block on Sunday afternoon. He made eight of his 16 field goal attempts, including three 3-pointers. The Lakers outscored New York by five in his 38 minutes of action as the 27-year-old again proved he is ready to be the purple and gold’s second star.
Reaves is building a dynamic duo with Luka. Fans love their chemistry, and the Lakers went to 9-2 when the two stars play together without LeBron. Doncic finished with 35 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the win over the Knicks.
When LA’s star duo is playing like this, the Lakers are nearly impossible to stop. It was an impressive win that moved them into a tie with the Nuggets for fifth in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick wanted Austin Reaves to be more aggressive, and the star immediately answered the challenge. He took 16 shots and attempted seven free throws. Fans saw Reaves trying to get into the paint and get buckets. It is exactly what the doctor ordered if the Lakers want to make a playoff run. Credit to Redick for calling him out, and props to Reaves for delivering an emphatic answer in his first opportunity.