Last Wednesday, Golden State Warriors faced off against Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling NBA Christmas Day matchup. Austin Reaves emerged as the hero, sealing the victory for the Lakers with a spectacular last-second layup. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions; the Warriors, led by sharpshooter Stephen Curry, mounted a dazzling fourth-quarter comeback, including a game-tying three-pointer by Curry. However, Reaves delivered the decisive blow and later admitted he took the game-winning shot intended for LeBron James.
“Man, I’ll be honest with y’all, that last play was not for me. It was for Bron,” Reaves revealed postgame. “But you know, I got the opportunity to go win us a game, and that’s what ended up happening. That’s a big win for the team. Huge win. It’s Christmas Day. I remember growing up watching Christmas Day games with my family. I know my family’s back home sitting around watching the games, opening presents. So, this is a big one for me – for us as a team. I’ll remember this one for a long time.”
Reaves even hinted at dedicating the game ball to one of his family members in honor of his standout performance. “Yeah, I made sure to get this one. This one’s definitely going to someone in my family. I would definitely lose it. But someone, probably my mom or dad, is getting this one,” he said.
Lakers edge Warriors in Christmas day thriller
The Lakers secured a hard-fought victory in a game filled with stellar performances from NBA legends. Both Stephen Curry and LeBron James delivered as expected, providing fans with a spectacle worthy of the holiday.
It seemed the Warriors had the game in hand after Curry activated “clutch mode” late in the fourth quarter, sinking two jaw-dropping three-pointers that electrified the crowd. Curry finished with an impressive stat line: 38 points, 6 assists, and a 53.3% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James showcased his brilliance with 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists, but it was Austin Reaves who stole the spotlight. Reaves not only delivered the game-winning play but also recorded a stellar triple-double: 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. His poise and clutch performance ensured the Lakers’ victory at the Chase Center in what will undoubtedly be remembered as a Christmas Day classic.