NBA – LeBron in retreat, Austin Reaves unleashes a performance never seen before in history!

Bleacher Report (DR)

LeBron James being a little physically diminished, the franchise player of the Lakers did not really play the leading roles last night against the Grizzlies. No matter, however, since Austin Reaves was one of the great architects of the victory for the Californians, delivering a unique performance in the history of the NBA.

The Lakers can rejoice, they have finally gone above 50% victory again. Opposed to the Grizzlies last night, Darvin Ham’s men recorded a third consecutive success (134-107), allowing them to move back to 7th in the standings. A result all the more pleasing as it was obtained without LeBron James being involved as much as usual.

Announced as questionable before the match due to a calf problem, the winger was ultimately in good shape but spent less than 23 minutes on the floor for 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. The gain was shared between the players with five Lakers at least 15 points, including Austin Reaves who was a substitute. A status which also allowed him to write history against the men of Tennessee:

Austin Reaves historically complete off the bench

Austin Reaves tonight:

16 PTS
12 REB
7 AST
4 3P

The first player in NBA history to reach those numbers off the bench. https://t.co/kILbFll6wT

— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 15, 2023

Austin Reaves last night: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 three-pointers. He is the first player in NBA history to accumulate such numbers coming off the bench.

Since the start of the season, we cannot say that the darling of Los Angeles was particularly brilliant in the major five as he came out of a very big 2022-23 season. Now back among the substitutes, he seems much more effective and that showed against Memphis. Maintaining this role in the months to come could do him the greatest good, with some already seeing him as an elite sixth man:

Next Manu Ginobli

— ☔️ (@wezzyupnext) November 15, 2023

The next Manu Ginobili

6MOTY

— ⁸𝓙𝓪𝔂²⁴ (@overduejay) November 15, 2023

Sixth Man of the Year

Ultra-precious last night against Memphis, Austin Reaves seems to have regained some of his splendor. In addition to his performance, this victory also shows that the Lakers can get by without LeBron James being in the oven and the mill. Even if the opposition was not the toughest there was, Ja Morant was still absent.