Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves said the team remains determined to extend its season despite trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-0 in the Western Conference semifinal series.
Speaking after Saturday night’s 124-111 loss in Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena, Reaves described the post-game locker-room message heading into Monday’s Game 4.
“You come and compete,” Reaves said. “We’re gonna come in here Monday and we’re gonna get a win. Obviously this situation sucks, but that doesn’t give us the license to quit. We owe the organization that, we owe each other that, we owe our fans that.”
The 27-year-old guard recently returned from a Grade 2 left oblique strain and acknowledged he is not at full strength. Oklahoma City has limited Reaves throughout the series with physical defense and by repeatedly targeting him on the other end of the floor.
Los Angeles led at halftime in Games 2 and 3 but surrendered both advantages after intermission. Head coach JJ Redick emphasized ball security, an area where the Lakers have struggled all season against the Thunder’s aggressive defense.
“We’ve got to take care of the ball,” Reaves added. “If we limit turnovers, we give ourselves a much better chance.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night in Los Angeles. No NBA team has ever erased a 3-0 deficit, but Reaves and veteran forward LeBron James are expected to set the tone as the Lakers attempt to avoid a sweep and force the series back to Oklahoma City.
Source: LakersNation.com
