Austin Reaves 28 points Lakers NBA Cup delivery

Lakers' Austin Reaves played through illness to lead team to NBA in-season tournament title with 28 points, showing resilience and skill.

Despite feeling unwell, Austin Reaves delivered a spectacular performance for the Lakers, leading them to victory in the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament championship over the Pacers. Reaves, who was battling fatigue and cold symptoms, pushed himself to score 28 points, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination. His efforts were crucial in supporting teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who also had standout performances. Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised Reaves for his competitive spirit and ability to make game-changing plays. Reaves humbly downplayed his role as the third star on the team, emphasizing the collective goal of winning. His outstanding performance earned him praise and admiration from his teammates and coaches. Despite his health challenges, Reaves' resilience and talent were on full display, securing a well-deserved victory for the Lakers.