Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed admiration for Austin Reaves before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, crediting the guard’s early-season surge to the competitiveness he showed while they worked together on Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Reaves Lifts Short-Handed Lakers
Now in his fifth NBA season, the 27-year-old has guided Los Angeles to a 5-2 record despite the recent absences of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Over the last four games, Reaves averaged 29.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.5 steals while the Lakers went 3-1. Through seven contests overall, he is producing 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.4 steals, shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range.
Spoelstra Recalls World Cup Experience
“I really enjoyed my time working with him as an assistant coach on the World Cup team,” Spoelstra said. “Austin brings a gym to life. He was a crowd favorite over there and had some great moments. He’s a competitor as well, and what he’s doing this year is really remarkable.”
Redick Trusts Reaves in Clutch Moments
Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment after Reaves beat the buzzer against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 29 at Target Center. “That guy is gonna show up in the big moments,” Redick said. “He’s done that many times since I’ve been his coach. I feel very comfortable with him making decisions late-game.”
Reaves has appeared in every game so far, positioning himself for a significant payday next summer as he continues to shoulder a major role on both ends of the floor.
Source: LakersNation.com
