Austin Reaves sat by his locker with his feet in an ice bucket. He stared at the ground and spoke in hushed tones.
The Lakers desperately needed him to have a scoring explosion in Game 1 of theirsecond-round playoff series against the Thunder, but he had a disappearing act in their 108-90 loss.
Hillbilly Kobe was gone for the hills.
He shot 3-for-16 from the field. He was 0-for-5 from beyond the 3-point line. He finished with just eight points.
This was the Lakers’ chance to steal a game against the Thunder.
They were rusty after not playing for eight days. They were weakened without Jalen Williams, who was sidelined for Game 1 because of a hamstring strain.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a completely uncharacteristic18 points and seven turnovers, his fewest points and most turnovers this season.
The reigning champions were vulnerable.
The Lakers were already without Luka Doncic and his 33.5 points a game. Reaves having a good game wasn’t optional. It was essential.
The Lakers were playing against the top-rated defense in the NBA. They needed the version of Reaves who had a breakthrough season. The version of him who looked like an All-Star. The version of him who could sign a maximum contract extension with LA.
Instead, he shot 18.8% from the field.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
