The Los Angeles Lakers entered their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder knowing they needed consistent defense to survive against one of the NBA’s fastest and most explosive offenses. Instead, Austin Reaves has become one of Oklahoma City’s favorite targets.
Through Games 2 and 3, the Thunder repeatedly attacked Reaves in isolation sets and pick-and-roll actions. Matchup tracking data showed opponents scored 58 points while Reaves served as the primary defender across those games, Yahoo reports. The efficiency numbers looked even worse. Opposing players shot 22-for-29 against him, a staggering 75.9 percent from the field.
That defensive performance sparked major conversation around the league, including blunt comments from former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson during an appearance on the “Night Cap” show with Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.
“I gotta question. How many white defenders have we seen in the NBA?” Johnson said. “It takes a different type of brotha. I’m just keeping it real. Defense is a want to, fellas. You gotta want to sit in that chair.”
The comments immediately spread across social media as fans debated both Johnson’s wording and Reaves’ overall defensive value in a playoff setting.
Thunder Continue Hunting Austin Reaves
Oklahoma City has shown little hesitation attacking Reaves whenever possible. The Thunder’s quick guards and constant movement have forced him into difficult defensive situations throughout the series.
Whether defending on the perimeter or switching onto explosive ball handlers, Reaves has struggled to contain dribble penetration. Oklahoma City consistently created open driving lanes and forced the Lakers into rotations that led to easy scoring opportunities.
Game 3 especially highlighted the issue. The Thunder rolled to a 131-108 victory while repeatedly involving Reaves in offensive actions. According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, Oklahoma City scored on 17 of 22 field-goal attempts when Reaves defended the shot, Yahoo reports.
That level of efficiency created enormous pressure on the Lakers’ defense and left little room for error offensively.
Even with those struggles, Reaves still provides significant value on offense. His outside shooting, secondary playmaking and chemistry with LeBron James remain important parts of Los Angeles’ attack. But postseason basketball often magnifies weaknesses more aggressively than the regular season.
The Thunder clearly identified Reaves as someone they can consistently target.
Lakers Facing Difficult Decisions
The Lakers coaching staff now faces a complicated balancing act heading into Game 4. Reaves remains one of the team’s most reliable offensive contributors, but protecting him defensively has become increasingly difficult against Oklahoma City’s versatile perimeter players.
Los Angeles could attempt quicker double teams, altered defensive matchups or additional help rotations to limit the damage. However, every adjustment creates another potential opening against a Thunder roster filled with scorers and playmakers.
The growing criticism surrounding Reaves also extends beyond this series. Some Lakers fans have started discussing whether the franchise should consider major roster changes this offseason, especially with Reaves expected to have significant contract decisions looming in the near future.
An old basketball saying suggests that pressure either reveals strengths or exposes weaknesses. Right now, opponents continue attacking Reaves without hesitation, and Oklahoma City has made him a central focus of its offensive game plan.
Still, the series is not over yet.
Reaves will get another opportunity to answer critics when the Lakers attempt to avoid elimination against the Thunder in Game 4 on Monday night. For Los Angeles, defensive improvement may determine whether the season continues or comes to an abrupt end.
Austin Reaves Draws Blunt Joe Johnson Criticism Over Defense