“They’re a Connected Group”: Austin Reaves’ Comments After Game 3 Reveals Harsh Truth About Lakers

The Thunder have a lot of wing defenders, a lot of size and length. Coach Mark Daigneault had a good defensive system where he had them on a string. OKC out-rebounded the Lakers, 43-37, had 12 steals in total, and they choked JJ Redick for 17 turnovers, of which they scored 30 points. Such performances from OKC are why Austin Reaves called them perfect.

Thus, the Thunder became the first team since LeBron James’ 2017 Cavaliers to start the playoffs 7-0 after winning an NBA championship. As OKC celebrates, there was a damaging stat for the Purple and Gold franchise. The Lakers were outscored by 25 points in this half, the second-worst in a home playoff game for the Lakers since they moved to LA.

JJ Redick agreed with Austin Reaves assessment

There were a few positives for the Lakers, as even without the NBA’s scoring leader, Luka Doncic, they had a 2-point lead at halftime. The defensive schemes also worked on SGA, who missed nine of his first 11 shots, and had fewer double-teams than in the series’ first two games. Still, it was not enough to contain the current MVP, who ended with his highest-scoring game of the series. On the other hand, LeBron James had 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds.

So, both Austin Reaves and Bron struggled from the field to a combined 12 for 32. That’s why even the Lakers’ head coach wanted to give them the credit. “They’re an incredible basketball team,” JJ Redick said. “Third straight game we’re right there after 2 1/2 quarters. We tried different lineups, different coverages. Still lost those minutes. Again, we’ve got to be better, but I’m not giving up on the series. We’re going to go try to win on Monday. We’re going to try to extend the series.”

The status of Doncic remains uncertain as 14th consecutive game for the Lakers since straining his hamstring on April 2 in Oklahoma City. In fact, in the final frame, Austin Reaves was seen limping and holding his right knee in pain.

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