Austin Reaves praised the Los Angeles Lakers’ ability to sustain momentum despite an early deficit, following their 133-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.
“Just playing better in the second half when you’re up against a team down 20 at half,” Reaves said, emphasizing the team’s focus on extending leads and competing at a high level.
Reaves credited Luka Doncic for setting the tone in the first quarter. “Luka scored 20 in the first quarter… he gets our offense rolling early,” Reaves said, noting how Doncic’s court gravity creates opportunities for his teammates.
The Lakers limited turnovers to eight, though Reaves acknowledged his own role in five miscues. “Three or four of them were just bad, like me being bad… if I take care of the ball, we might have scored 145,” he explained.
Reaves highlighted the backcourt synergy with Doncic as a key factor. “He draws a lot of attention, and I’m able to play advantage basketball… with unselfishness and shotmaking ability, we get open looks,” he said.
Despite the team’s high-scoring output, Reaves stressed process over results. “Even though the results have been there… there’s still another couple levels we can get to if we follow that process,” he added, reflecting the Lakers’ emphasis on efficiency and smart shot selection.
Reaves also addressed his growing consistency. “With the guys we have… you have to double Luka, if not he’s going to kill you… we get open looks and continue to play the right way,” he said, recognizing the strategic benefits of playing alongside elite teammates.
Doncic led the Lakers with 34 points, including 20 in the opening quarter, while Reaves added 33 points and eight assists. Deandre Ayton contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Rui Hachimura added 14 points.
The Lakers outscored New Orleans in the first half, 46-27 and 77-57, tying for the fifth-highest opening quarter in franchise history. The Pelicans, missing Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, rallied in the third quarter but couldn’t overcome Los Angeles’ strong start.
Los Angeles will look to extend its streak against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, while New Orleans aims to rebound against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
