Deandre Ayton Praises Austin Reaves After 38-Point Performance Against Mavericks
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ new center Deandre Ayton says he is beginning to read Austin Reaves’ pick-and-roll cues after the guard erupted for 38 points in Friday night’s win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Reaves shot 12-for-15 from the field and helped Los Angeles secure a 4-0 record in West Group B of the Emirates NBA Cup. Luka Doncic added 35 points and 11 assists, while Ayton, returning from a knee contusion, supplied 17 points and eight rebounds.
“I’m in these pick-and-rolls with him, and the fire tends to go from orange to blue,” Ayton said postgame. “I’m starting to know when he wants me over there to set the screens. You see the blue fire, don’t go near him—let him do his thing.”
Ayton noted that Reaves’ ability to navigate the paint has simplified their developing chemistry. “He had times where he should’ve got some and-ones; he should’ve had 50,” the center added. “He’s making tough buckets under the rim where us trees are down there, and I’m just like, ‘You a dawg.’”
The victory clinched the top spot in the group for Los Angeles. Head coach JJ Redick said the team now turns its attention to a demanding stretch of regular-season games.
Source: Lakers Nation
