The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off an impressive victory on Thursday night, stunning the Boston Celtics 114-105 despite the absence of their biggest stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Austin Reaves stepped up in a major way, scoring a season-high 32 points and hitting a career-high seven 3-pointers to lead the Lakers to victory.
The Lakers' supporting cast had been under scrutiny in recent weeks, with James and Davis pleading for them to provide some much-needed help in the tight Western Conference playoff race. And they delivered in a big way against the Celtics.
Reaves, in particular, had a spectacular night, showcasing his talent and making the most of the opportunity. 'We're all talented players. And this was an opportunity to show the world what you can do,' Reaves said. 'Before the game, we came together and were like, 'Look, the least we can do is go out there and play as hard as we can and live with the results.''
The Lakers' victory was perhaps their best of the season. Facing a team leading the NBA in the Celtics, many expected a mismatch, especially with James and Davis sidelined due to injury. But the young Lakers roster proved that they are more than capable of stepping up when called upon.
Reaves was on fire from beyond the arc, connecting on 7 of 10 three-point attempts. He also showed his ability to draw fouls, making all three free throws after being fouled on a missed shot. Overall, the Lakers had an impressive shooting night, hitting 19 of 36 three-pointers.
D'Angelo Russell also had a strong performance, contributing 16 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Jaxson Hayes added 16 points and 10 rebounds to help secure the victory.
On the other side, the Celtics struggled with turnovers, committing 15 throughout the game. Despite a late surge in the third quarter, where they cut the Lakers' lead to six points, they were unable to mount a comeback in the final period.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged that stretches of bad basketball happen and emphasized the importance of responding to them. The Celtics, who started the season with an impressive 20-0 home record, have now lost three of their last five games at TD Garden.
The Lakers' victory came at a cost, as big man Jarred Vanderbilt suffered right foot soreness and was unable to return to the game after limping off the court in the first half. However, the team is hopeful that both James and Davis will return from their injuries soon.
This marked the first game this season that both James and Davis sat out together, leaving the Lakers in ninth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings. The team's performance against the Celtics showcased the resilience and determination of the rest of the roster.
Looking ahead, Reaves emphasized the importance of continuing to compete and give their all once James and Davis are back on the court. 'Go out and do your job,' as James stated, will be the mindset moving forward.
The Lakers will face the New York Knicks on Saturday night, while the Celtics will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
In the end, the Lakers' victory over the Celtics without their superstar duo serves as a reminder that a strong supporting cast can make a significant impact on a team's success. Reaves' standout performance and the team's resilient effort have given hope to Lakers fans as they continue to navigate the challenging Western Conference playoff race.
