Luka Dončić and Austin Reeves on the foundations of a historic season

Since the beginning of the season, no teammate duo has scored more points than Luka Dončić (35.1) et Austin Reaves (28.8), the authors averaged 63.9 points (!) for Lakers. Behind them, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard “only” 53.1 points per game, while Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are satisfied with an average of 52.9 points.

LeBron James now much further behind the Lakers, the new two-headed monster has therefore taken control of him Los Angelesnot doing things by halves.

Because when we look at the most prolific duos in a single season (since 1976, the year of the ABA/NBA merger), we see that Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves are currently well on their way to achieving the best mark, set at 61.5 points and established by James Harden and Russell Westbrook in the 2019/20 season.

« I think we’re just good basketball players. I don’t know what makes our duo special, but we are just good basketball players » declared sober Luka Dončić, after the news The Lakers beat the Pelicans. With 67 points of his main duo.

For the record, Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves scored at least 30 points in three games in a row. This is only the fourth time, since 1976, that two teammates have done the same, after George Gervin and Mike Mitchell (1984), Monta Ellis and Corey Meggett (2010), then Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (2023).

A future star-studded duo?

Like Kyrie Irving before him, who with Luka Doncic already recorded an average of 59.5 points for the Mavericks in the 2023/24 season, Austin Reaves enjoys attacking, next to the Slovenian.

« It draws a lot of attention and then I can play with the advantage of being behind » he described in detail So. ” For all the gravitas he possesses on the court, he is impossible to defend precisely because of his ability to pass the ball or score shots and his unselfishness. Once you get him two after the screen, you’ll find yourself at an advantage when playing him. »

And Austin Reeves excels precisely when it comes to taking advantage of this famous advantage: ” He perfectly understands when he benefits from a good duel in defense and knows very well how to play with Luka » decided simple JJ RedickLakers coach.

Above all, the understanding between the two men seems to be in good shape. To be sure of that, just listen to Austin Reaves’ response when he was asked about the missed free throw with three minutes left against the Pelicans, which left him with 33 points, just one unit behind Luka Doncic’s 34 points.

« Luka has to keep his confidence high. I don’t need to score more points than him two nights in a row… » said ironically the one who at this rate could follow his teammate to the All-Star game in 2026.