Austin Reaves opened up on his embarrassing play in the first quarter tonight. While the LA Lakers star guard attempted to dodge the question, a reporter stood by his business to extract an answer. During the first-ever possession of the game, Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson posterized the Hill Billy Kobe, when he attempted to take charge near the rim.
The reporter asked him about the gameplay, AR tried to shrug it off by saying, “Everybody seen what happened.” But the reporter continued to push, saying, “Nobody had your view”. The rising star had no other option other than responding to it. He said, “I think that might be the first time I have ever been like really dunked-dunked. So I made it a really long time without being very athletic, picking my spots to get out of the way. Tried to take a charge, I don’t know super athletic kid.. got one… The longer I play the game I’m sure it’s gonna happen in the end. I ain’t too worried about it.”
This Austin Reaves-@DanWoikeSports interaction is great: pic.twitter.com/ue2ctUOU54
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) March 19, 2024
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Despite the embarrassment attached to the play, Austin Reaves took it upon his chin and showed confidence that he would get better at it. The Arkansas player worked his way up in the Lakers’ starting-up this season, after his commendable effort in the last season. He reached his career-best average of 15.9 points this season with a 31.7-minute stay per game.
The 25-year-old guard isn’t an explosive player like the rest of the Lakers roster. The LA is known for its size and more physical approach to the game. Reaves is neither of them; he relies more on playmaking and shooting skills. However, when he tried to get physical and take charge tonight, it backfired.
Jalen Johnson nearly jumps over Austin Reaves 😳 pic.twitter.com/Z0IpZv6Pd0
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 19, 2024
Even though the Hawks started off the game with a bang, it was the Lakers who had the last laugh.
Despite the Austin Reaves insult, the Lakers blow out Hawks
Apart from the poster dunk in the first possession, the Hawks didn’t really have anything to celebrate. The Lakers completely took the game away from the Hawks right after that disrespectful play.
Three players from the Lakers scored above 20 points and continued to expand the lead. Reaves had an off night, scoring 12 points with six rebounds. The only way that AR can forget the embarrassing play is by replaying the poster dunk from his rookie season.
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What do you make of Jalen Johnson’s dunk on Reaves? Let us know in the comments below.
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