Lakers head coach Frank Vogel chose to start the game against the Warriors with both Malik Monk and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup. It was his 21st start for Monk and just the 4th start for Reaves.
It turned out to be a good decision as Los Angeles took the win with both guards contributing to the victory. After the game Vogel revealed that he was anxious to start with Monk and Reaves.
“I like the combination of Malik Monk and Austin Reaves out there together. That’s something that we had seen more in second units throughout the season but it’s been a combination that our analytics team said has really produced. Those guys have been some of our best on/off stats, plus/minus stats and those types of things.
“We decided a couple of games to go look at it in starting lineup. And even though we hadn’t won yet, those guys are performing at a high level and were +22 on the floor together tonight.
“Going into a game against Steph Curry and Klay Thompson saying we’re going to put Malik and Austin on them gave me a little bit anxiety, I’m going to be honest. But those guys really really competed and executed our plan and we’re able to get the W.”
