The Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 116-104 win that they controlled throughout. While D’Angelo Russell’s offensive display stood out, LeBron James and Anthony Davis focused on defense, particularly praising Austin Reaves for his tough guarding of Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive season stats, he was contained to 20 points and four assists by Reaves and the Lakers, marking a significant dip in his performance. Both James and Davis commended Reaves for his efforts, highlighting his defensive skills in limiting Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the game. Davis also noted Reaves’ awareness of Gilgeous-Alexander’s tendencies and praised his role in the team’s defensive strategy. This display of defensive prowess by Reaves earned him high praise from his star teammates, showcasing the value of the Lakers’ role players in crucial matchups like this one.
Reaves commended Russell for his offensive skills, noting how impressive it is to see him score in bursts when he gets hot. Reaves and AD were even able to predict when Russell would take the shot. Despite his own successful shooting performance, Reaves was more focused on the team’s overall success rather than individual accolades.
