Austin Reaves is enjoying being on the same side as Luka Doncic after years of having to defend the five-time All-Star.
“It’s very fun. It’s much better this way than the alternative,” Reaves said postgame, per Ryan Ward. “Trying to guard him in those situations is almost impossible because he shoots the three so well.”
Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers (43-25) to a dominant 120-108 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, finishing with 31 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in three quarters. His offensive versatility continues to draw praise from teammates, including Reaves, who highlighted Doncic’s ability to score from all levels while also being a high-level playmaker.
“He’s willing to shoot the mid-range and get to the cup, but his passing is probably, in my opinion, one of his best attributes,” Reaves explained. “So you always have to kind of stay home unless you want to give up a lob. If you’re trying to take the lob away with the low man, he’s going to give up the corner three.”
The Lakers have won nine straight home games and remain in third place in the Western Conference, positioning themselves for a potential home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Denver (44-26) played without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray for the second straight game, and while Aaron Gordon stepped up with 26 points and 11 rebounds, the Nuggets could not slow down Los Angeles’ offense.
Reaves, who finished with 22 points and eight assists, also spoke about building a relationship with Doncic off the court. “It’s been a lot of fun getting to know him. Good dude,” Reaves said. “Needs to stop taking my money on the plane playing cards.”
The Lakers’ chemistry continues to grow as the regular season winds down, with Reaves and Doncic forming a strong backcourt partnership.
