Los Angeles Lakers fans have found a way to turn the Indiana Pacers’ success into an Austin Reaves-is-amazing narrative.
Though Lakers fans are saddened by their team's early playoff exit, 2024-25 was not without its glory.
Back on February 8, with superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić sidelined due to injuries, Reaves stepped up in a monumental way, leading the Lakers to a 124-117 victory over the Pacers at Crypto.com Arena with a career-high 45 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
The masterclass versus Indiana showcased Reaves's ability to carry a team against a formidable opponent.
The significance of Reaves’ performance is amplified by the Pacers’ current playoff run. Tyrese Haliburton and Co. are on the cusp of reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history and first since 2000.
But some Lakers fans are using the Pacers’ moment to think back to when Reaves dominated Indiana. X user @GoldenKnightGFX shared a highlight reel of the performance and wrote, "Austin Reaves 45/7/7 without LeBron or Luka against the team that’s about to reach the Finals in the East btw."
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On that day, Reaves shot 14-of-26 from the field, including 4-of-9 from three, and went a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. His ability to initiate the offense, especially in the clutch, was critical, as he scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to fend off a classic Pacers comeback.
Despite dealing with a sore left elbow and lingering hip and back pain, Reaves played through adversity, earning “M-V-P!” chants from the Crypto.com Arena crowd.
His effort placed him in elite company, joining Lakers legends Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James as the only players to record at least 45 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a single game.
Lakers fans are quick to point out that this game wasn’t just a fluke but a defining moment in Reaves’s career.
The undrafted guard from Oklahoma has steadily evolved into a reliable third option alongside James and Dončić, averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds this season. His ability to step up without the team’s two biggest stars is a constant talking point among Lakers fans as speculation swirls about his future with the team.
Many fans argue that trading Reaves would be a mistake, given his clutch performances and growing chemistry with the team’s core.
As the Pacers vie for a Finals berth, Reaves’ February heroics remain a rallying point for Lakers Nation looking ahead to 2025-26.
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