Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Austin Reavesā play, highlighting his ability to generate offense and his impact on the team in the recent 123-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of the NBA season.
Reaves was instrumental in the Lakersā comeback, scoring 26 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 8 assists, stealing 3 balls, and blocking 1 shot. His effectiveness in field goal and three-point shooting was key to the teamās victory.
After the game, JJ Redick emphasized Reavesā importance in the teamās offensive scheme: āSome of that offense was very intentional in the second quarter, and thatās what got him going a little bit. We felt like there was a specific thing that we could do, that we could get good offense out of our action. He manipulated that really well, got us back in the game. The flow in the offense got back.ā
Redick also praised Reavesā versatility and talent: āHeās a guy who has thrust and a pace to his offensive game in half court. We need that. He was just fantastic in the second half. I knew he was a great player before I took this job. Iāve been around him since July, and every day he just keeps getting better and showing more. I didnāt realize he was this good. I knew he was good, but I didnāt realize he was this good.ā
Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as he watches play during a 110-103 Lakers win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the season home opener at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Austin Reavesā role in the Lakersā NBA success
Austin Reaves has also emphasized the importance of starting the season strong. The Lakers, in recent years, have struggled to maintain a good rhythm from the start. Reaves believes that a good start can help the team stay at the top of the standings throughout the season.
see also
NBA News: Lakers' Redick delivers message to LeBron, Davis about their play time for this season
āYeah, I feel like the last couple of years weāve been playing catch-up,ā Reaves said after a recent practice. āWe havenāt had strong first parts of the year. I think thatās a big component of having a good year ā getting out on a good note and continuing thatā.
āComing out on a high note. We have three games at home. Try to go win all of them. And then I think weāre on an every-other-day road trip, the first one of the year. I think itās tough to play catch-up in the NBA because itās so fatiguing, not just on your body but mentally. So I think an early good start would be good for usā. Reaves added.
