Austin Reaves: 'We treated the game like it was a playoff game' / News - Basketnews.com

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers reflected upon the Los Angeles Lakers's victory in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament as well as his good performance in the final game.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con - Scanpix

The Los Angeles Lakers became the inaugural champions of the NBA In-Season Tournament by downing the Indiana Pacers in the final game with a score of 123-109.

2-pointers this season

56%32,0Points made:32,0Accuracy:56,1%Place in standings:4Record max:45Record min:25Most made 2FGs:Anthony DavisTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

While LeBron James was dominant throughout the tournament, receiving MVP honors, Anthony Davis was phenomenal in the final game, collecting 41 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists.

However, a separate footnote also has to be opened up for Austin Reaves, who had a good final game despite suffering the flu throughout it, with 28 points on 9/15 field goal shooting, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Speaking to SPORT24's Harris Stavrou, Reaves reflected on the In-Season Tournament.

"We were focused on our goal, we were focused on every possession, we treated the game like it was a playoff game," Reaves explained. "Like LeBron [James] told us, this was a good opportunity to experience success. We're the first to do it, we're the first ones to do it, so the success has a special value."

"We try to play the right way, and that's what we try to do every night, in every game, against every opponent," he noted.

At one point, LeBron James yelled out, "Who had the best flu game, Michael Jordan or Austin Reaves?"

In reference to LeBron James's comments about a similarity to Michael Jordan's flu game, Reaves was humble.

"I let him talk, and I try to play the right way. I want to read the closeouts correctly, be aggressive, and help the team and those around me."

Austin Reaves also talked about how dominant the Lakers were on the boards, which helped to make up for the fact that the Lakers shot terribly from behind the three-point line with 2/13 accuracy.

"We can dominate in many areas of the game, and you don't always need to shoot at a high percentage or stick to the three-pointer," Reaves explained. "I think everything is evaluated according to the occasion, depending on the opponent, depending on the night," he continued.

Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule

Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns106-103 Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans Pelicans133-89 Los Angeles Lakers Indiana Pacers123-109 Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles LakersWed00:30 San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles LakersThu01:00 San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles LakersSat00:30

"We didn't have many open shots tonight, so we attacked the basket and got the job done."

Later on, the American guard talked about the cup format of the In-Season Tournament, with one game deciding the outcome instead of playoffs like in the regular NBA.

"Obviously, it's not easy to play for a trophy in one game," he began. "The Pacers are a great team, [Tyrese] Haliburton is an incredible player. He tries to run their offense from the first to the last second and has you constantly on alert," Reaves praised his Team USA teammate.

"I don't know how many points Cam Reddish scored tonight, [but] I think he controlled the tempo, he was one of the best on the floor, [making] Haliburton's life difficult," said Reaves crediting his teammate Reddish for his defensive effort.

The shooting guard finally concluded with some remarks on LeBron James.

"His career says it all, he prepares us, he prepares himself, he's the ultimate professional," Reaves said. "And we're around of him, we're his friends, we ask him, we get things from him all the time."

Austin Reaves is currently averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the 2023-24 NBA season.

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