TITLE: Reaves Scores 24 in First Game Back, Says Groin “Felt Great”
SLUG: austin-reaves-returns-groin-injury-feels-great
CONTENT:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a three-game absence with a strained groin, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves rejoined the lineup on Monday night and immediately sparked a double-digit victory over the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center.
The third-year guard logged 29 minutes, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals while shooting 7-for-17 from the field. “I felt great other than my jump shot,” Reaves said on Spectrum SportsNet following the win.
Reaves first felt discomfort during the Lakers’ Nov. 4 win over the Miami Heat. He elected to finish that game before undergoing testing and treatment that kept him out of road contests in Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta. “I don’t like missing games,” he said, adding that he hoped to suit up against the Hawks before the medical staff decided it was “a little too early.”
Los Angeles split the three games without him, dropping only the Atlanta matchup, and improved to 7-2 with Monday’s result. The team remains without LeBron James and several other regulars.
Reaves’ return also drew praise from ESPN analyst JJ Redick, who noted the guard’s competitive streak resembles that of teammate Luka Dončić. Redick said the two bonded early in the season over their shared love of on-court trash talk, a trait he believes has helped their chemistry.
The Lakers continue their five-game road trip Wednesday in Orlando.
Source: Lakers Nation
