In a shocking transfer, Lakers coach Darvin Ham shook up the beginning lineup for his or her recreation towards the Phoenix Suns, benching Malik Beasley in favor of Austin Reaves. And boy did it repay.
Reaves, coming off a career-high 35-point recreation, shone in his new beginning position, notching a career-best 11 assists and 25 factors within the Lakers’ 122-111 win over the Suns. The victory strikes the Lakers again into the No. 10 spot within the West and retains their playoff hopes alive with simply 9 video games left within the season.
The Lakers’ offense regarded dynamic with a number of playmakers on the court docket, as Reaves, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell all put stress on the Suns’ protection. Reaves’ inclusion within the beginning group led to a season-high 46 free throw makes an attempt for the Lakers, as he acquired to the road 13 occasions and made 12.
“Clearly, we do not need to be on this place,” Reaves stated after the sport. “We might wish to be first within the league. However that is the place that we’re in. So, it is going to be hectic, however this is the reason you play the sport. You need high-pressure moments, and you actually need to play below the lights.”
Ham was thrilled with how his new-look beginning lineup carried out, saying, “You just like the little trick up the sleeve?” and including, “I simply felt prefer it made all sense on this planet. “
The Lakers now face a vital recreation towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, at the moment the No. 8 staff within the West, on Friday. The season collection is tied at 1-1, so the tiebreaker is up for grabs, making this one other recreation with main seeding implications.
“The fellows know what’s at stake. We’ve to benefit from this homestand,” Ham stated. “Hopefully Friday we come out with the identical sort of juice and power that we had tonight.” With Reaves offering a spark within the beginning lineup, the Lakers’ playoff hopes are alive and nicely.