The Los Angeles Lakers started their NBA Cup campaign with renewed fire, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 117-112. Returning from injury, Luka Doncic looked unstoppable, scoring 44 points and pulling down 12 rebounds in a statement performance that reignited the team’s energy.
Austin Reaves complemented him well, helping to establish the rhythm the Lakers have been searching for under new head coach JJ Redick.
Speaking after the game, Reaves was quick to praise his teammate while keeping things light.
“I think it’s full of hate,” he joked when asked about Doncic‘s comeback. “I was very happy to see him back playing basketball today… this feels very good.”
His humor eased what had been a tense few weeks for the team as they adjusted to changes in the lineup.
Reaves continued with admiration for Doncic‘s play. “I think he’s just playing the right way, and then obviously I’m taking over the game. He’s done it a million times and he’s really good at basketball for, you know, some reason, so he’s got the capability to put the team on his back and he kind of did that tonight.”
Redick’s halftime challenge transforms the Lakers
Trailing by double digits at halftime, the Lakers needed a spark, and JJ Redick delivered one.
“JJ came in and told us he wasn’t about to lose his mind on us, even though he wanted to, and then we just needed to play hard,” Reaves recalled.
The team responded, ramping up their intensity in the third quarter to shift the game’s momentum.
Redick later admitted that his message wasn’t exactly calm. “I didn’t raise my voice, at least I don’t think I did, but it wasn’t clean. Not safe for work. But… we didn’t start the game playing hard.” His words clearly resonated, as the Lakers stormed back behind Doncic‘s 21 second-half points.
Reaves also reflected on what drives him during the NBA Cup. “Yeah, I think it’s just, you know, it adds another element of competition,” he said. “You obviously want to win every game, but you’d be lying if you said you wasn’t thinking about the money.”
He noted that the prize benefits not just the stars but also the coaches and support staff, a sentiment shared by LeBron James, who famously ensured younger teammates shared in the bonus during last season’s Cup win.
Now, with games against the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers on the horizon, the Lakers aim to keep the same energy that fueled their comeback victory.
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