Austin Reaves: Sooners hooper sparks Lakers’ playoff win against Memphis Grizzlies
By Brandon Self
"“I’m HIM…I’m HIM…” – Lakers SG Austin Reaves"
Los Angeles Lakers guard and former Sooner hooper Austin Reaves had his official postseason declaration made yesterday as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-112 first-round win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Reaves was the Lakers leading scorer with 23 points, four assists, three boards, and a steal. Reaves plus/minus was +15, and his timing was critical. Reaves scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter and caught the attention and support of fellow Laker LeBron James.
"“We found something that was going… if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – LeBron James on Austin Reaves 4th quarter outburst."
Reaves has been a mainstay in the Lakers lineup this season, averaging 13 points per game on a 52% shooting percentage. The former Sooner has been a consistent bright spot on a late-pushing Lakers squad that has undergone a roller-coaster season. The Lakers’ theft of a road playoff game has set them up for a potential first-round upset and a possible push toward the Western Conference Finals.
The Lakers must rely on Reaves if they want to make this push. With the backing of LeBron and Anthony Davis, Reaves will continue to get his opportunities. Reaves’ production increases when he is put into the starting lineup plus he gives the Lakers a much needed spot-up shooting option for the driving LeBron. If Reaves can stay hot the Lakers have a real chance to make a run in the West.
As a Sooner Reaves played in 56 Sooner contests where he averaged 16.3 points per game, 3.7 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Reaves went undrafted in 2021 and signed a two-way contract with the Lakers. Steal of the offseason no doubt.
Proud moment for Sooner Nation. Be sure and catch Reaves and his Lakers in their first-round, game-two matchups against the Grizzlies on Wednesday at 6:30 CT on TNT.