Austin Reaves emerged as the unexpected hero in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 Christmas Day victory over the Golden State Warriors. What might have looked like absolute cinema was when he stole the spotlight by executing a game-winning layup that the team initially designed for LeBron James.
In a post-game revelation, Reaves admitted that he took a bold risk by opting to drive to the basket himself instead of deferring to his superstar teammate. The stakes were high in a closely contested matchup, and with the clock winding down. Reaves recognized a critical opening that led him to seize the moment and ultimately deliver a memorable win for his team. The young guard shared the value of the win as it came on Christmas.
“Man, I’mma be honest with y’all. That last play was not for me. It was for Bron. But I got the opportunity to go win us a game. That’s what ended up happening. That’s a big win for the team. Huge win. It’s Christmas Day.” Reaves said.
"I remember growing up watching Christmas Day games with my family." @SixtUSA | #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/CIwaed2iPm
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 26, 2024
The Arkansas-born NBA star openly acknowledged the weight of his decision. He ignored the play call for LeBron, which could have backfired and left him pointed out had he failed. Although, he had an impressive performance last night. The star guard scored a triple-double of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
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Austin Reaves Got Emotional After The Game
As much as we talk about the final moment of wonder, the whole game remained a matter of personal significance for the Lakers guard. Reaves has always looked up to fill the gap in the team if any of the top-line superstars gets down with an injury. In addition to scoring the match-winning layup and achieving a triple-double, Reaves got his family hooked on the game.
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He stepped up in a big way after Anthony Davis went down with an injury. In the aftermath, Reaves opened up about the powerful emotions he felt. He acknowledged that he usually doesn’t get choked up, but Christmas, his family watching from afar, and the moment’s thrill nearly brought him to tears. He reflected on how lucky he felt to be in this position. Austin also emphasized how much it means to have his loved ones cheering him on while he lives out his dreams.
“I’m not really an emotional person. But when I was doing radio out there… Got the game ball, and threw it to D-Lo, there was a quick second where I thought I might tear up. That doesn’t happen a lot. But it’s Christmas. I know my parents are back home watching, my brother is probably in Germany right now… All my people back home are locked in and sitting around watching the game,” he said after the game.
"I thought I might tear up."
— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2024
Austin Reaves got emotional thinking about his journey and all the love and support from his family on #NBAXmas 💛 pic.twitter.com/tgMNrr6uaU
What makes Austin’s performance even more remarkable is how he has transformed into a vital piece of the Lakers’ puzzle. Initially, the plan was for LeBron James to take the last shot, but Reaves’ instinct to drive to the basket proved to be the right call. With consistent averages of 17.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, Reaves has become an indispensable part of the team’s future.
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