JJ Redick explains the key factor behind Austin Reeves’ 51 points

No Luka Doncic, no LeBron James, but that wasn’t a problem Los Angeles Lakers as they defeated the Sacramento Kings 127-120 on the front of the back-to-back. It was Austin Reaves who boosted the Lakers, dropping a career-high 51 points as he knocked down several big three-point shots in the fourth quarter to keep the Kings at bay. After the game, the head coach of the Lakers JJ Redick explained what it is that allowed Reeves to take off the way he did, according to Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the LA Times.

“He was fantastic. He did a little bit of everything for us tonight, everywhere, he scored basketball at an unbelievable level. But just his persistence to compete,” Redick said. “It’s so obvious, he’s in the gym every day. He just loves competition, he thrives on competition.”

“We talked about it a little bit towards the end of last season and then right after the regular season,” Redick continued. “This is a small-town kid from Arkansas, who went undrafted, who averaged 20 rebounds in the NBA last year and only had 50 rebounds. These moments are incredible for him, I think his teammates see it, I know we as a coaching staff see it. He just lives in the moment and is ready to make every moment happy for him.”

As JJ Redick mentioned, Austin Reaves didn’t just score 51 points during the Lakers’ win against the Kings. He had a double-double with 11 rebounds, had one assist for a triple-double with nine, and had two steals in just over 39 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 (54.5 percent) from the field, 6 of 10 (60 percent) from the three-point line and 21 of 22 (95.5 percent) from the free throw line.

The last time the Lakers were without Doncic and James was last season on February 8 against the Indiana Pacers. James was taken off the field due to injury, and Doncic has not yet been cleared to return from injury after the trade. The Lakers would also end up winning that game back then career high 45 points, seven rebounds and seven assists by Reaves.

Entering Sunday’s game against the Kings, Reaves was averaging 25.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 1.0 steals on 58.1 percent shooting from the field, 30 percent from the three-point line and 80 percent from the free throw line.

Next up for the Lakers is the second straight night at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.