Lakers News: Austin Reaves Reveals Thinking Behind Decision To Play Through Illness For IST Win
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves had his own version of the flu game on Saturday evening in the championship game of the NBA In-Season Tournament. He battled through illness to help the Lakers take home the NBA Cup against the Indiana Pacers.
Reaves dropped 28 points, two rebounds and three assists in the game. He was instrumental in the Lakers getting the victory, but he said that he did think about not playing prior to tip-off.
“It crossed my mind once or twice,” Reaves said. “But I think my mother would’ve strangled me to death if I didn’t play.”
The Lakers are glad that he was able to push through the illness and help them get the win. He showed tremendous courage and a strong mindset to get through it all.
“You don’t want to miss a game,” Reaves said. “I don’t want to let my brothers down. I don’t want to be the one that misses a game when I could’ve potentially helped win it.”
Reaves has been playing much better of late since his move to the bench a few weeks ago. He still is averaging almost 30 minutes a game and he has made his presence felt within.
The young guard is averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game so far this season. He has steadily increased everything as the year has gone on, and the team expects to see more of that, as well.
His performance in the title game against Indiana will be remembered forever. And now he can say that he helped the iconic franchise win the first-ever In-Season Tournament.
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