The Los Angeles Lakers landed a key player back in the lineup for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets.
Austin Reaves finally got the nod to suit up and play after missing multiple weeks of action due to an oblique strain.
Over the last couple of games, the Lakers had Reaves listed as questionable, but he wasn’t quite ready to return. On Wednesday, he was finally given the green light.
How Did Austin Reaves Feel?
Following the Lakers’ disappointing 99-93 loss against the Rockets, Reaves addressed how he was feeling after spending so much time in recovery and away from the game court.
“Felt good,” Reaves told reporters, according to Lakers Nation. “It was good to be back out there. Overall, felt really good.”
As for Reaves’ head coach JJ Redick, he described Reaves’ game as “aggressive.” The head coach praised Reaves’ driving and is confident that he’ll get settled in more with time.
The Lakers brought Reaves in off the bench for 34 minutes. That was at the start of the game, before making an important switch in the third quarter. Coming out for the second half, the Lakers replaced Luke Kennard with Reaves in the starting five.
The veteran guard finished the game shooting 4-16 from the field and hitting on 12-13 shots from the free-throw line. Reaves produced 22 points. Along with his scoring, Reaves produced four rebounds, six assists, and blocked one shot.
What’s Next For The Lakers?
By losing their second game in a row, the Lakers are now up 3-2 over the Rockets. By forcing a Game 6 scenario, the Rockets are picking up a matchup on Friday, May 1.
Reaves’ status for that game will likely depend on how his body reacts to picking up regular minutes on Wednesday night.
If the Lakers can take down the Rockets after losing the last two, Houston’s season would conclude. The Lakers would then gear up for a second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Lakers loss on Friday would call for a Game 7, which would take place on Sunday.