The Los Angeles Lakers received a major offensive performance from Austin Reaves on Thursday night, but it was not enough to prevent another loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Oklahoma City defeated Los Angeles 125-107 at Paycom Center to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Reaves finished with a playoff career-high 31 points in the loss. The Lakers guard shot 10-of-16 from the field, made three of his six 3-point attempts, and converted 8-of-10 free throws across 38 minutes. He also added six assists and two rebounds.
The performance marked a significant turnaround from Reaves’ struggles earlier in the postseason. Entering Game 2, Reaves had averaged 15.0 points per game while shooting 30.4% from the field and 11.8% from three-point range during his first three playoff appearances this year.
Austin Reaves Responds After Difficult Game 1
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves
Reaves entered Thursday’s game facing heavy scrutiny after his poor performance in Game 1.
In the Lakers’ 108-90 loss earlier in the series, Reaves scored only eight points on 3-of-16 shooting while missing all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. He also committed four turnovers in 36 minutes.
Game 2 looked very different early.
Reaves found rhythm in the second quarter and became the first Lakers player to reach double figures. He repeatedly attacked Oklahoma City’s defense off the dribble and converted multiple three-point plays to help Los Angeles stay competitive.
The Lakers outscored the Thunder 35-30 in the second quarter and carried a one-point lead into halftime.
15.0 PPG 30.4% FG 11.8% 3PT
Austin Reaves tonight:
31 PTS (playoff career-high) 10-16 FG (62.5%) 3-6 3PT (50%)
Down 0-2 in the series.
Reaves continued his strong night in the third quarter. After drawing a flagrant foul against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a technical foul on Alex Caruso during the same sequence, Reaves converted all three free throws to give Los Angeles a five-point lead, its largest advantage of the game.
At that point, the Lakers appeared capable of evening the series before Oklahoma City responded with another extended scoring run.
Despite Reaves’ offensive production, the Lakers again struggled with turnovers and second-chance defense. Los Angeles committed 19 turnovers, which led to 26 Thunder points.
Reaves himself finished with a team-high five turnovers.
LeBron James added 23 points and six assists for Los Angeles, while Rui Hachimura scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and made four three-pointers.
Marcus Smart contributed 14 points and five assists. Luke Kennard added 10 points off the bench.
Oklahoma City Thunder Pull Away Again Behind Balanced Scoring Attack
GettyCason Wallace #22 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder improved to 6-0 in the postseason and once again showed their depth despite missing All-Star forward Jalen Williams because of a hamstring injury.
Ajay Mitchell continued his strong playoff stretch with 20 points, while Chet Holmgren finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 points despite dealing with foul trouble and committing seven turnovers.
After James cut the deficit to 99-94 midway through the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City responded with a decisive 12-1 run that effectively ended the game.
Holmgren, Cason Wallace, and Gilgeous-Alexander each connected on three-pointers during the stretch as the Thunder pulled away late.
The decisive sequence actually began in the third quarter after Gilgeous-Alexander picked up his fourth foul. Oklahoma City closed the period on a 23-9 run while its supporting cast carried the offense.
Jared McCain scored 18 points and hit two key three-pointers during the run, while Mitchell repeatedly attacked the Lakers’ defense at the rim.
For the second consecutive game, Los Angeles successfully limited Gilgeous-Alexander compared to his regular-season averages. But Oklahoma City’s depth, transition offense, and defensive pressure again proved too much for the short-handed Lakers.
The Lakers continue to play without Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined because of a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered on April 2. Doncic is not expected to return during the series.
Game 3 shifts to Los Angeles on Saturday, with the Lakers now facing a 2-0 deficit against the defending NBA champions.
Austin Reaves Sets Playoff Career High in Lakers’ Game 2 Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder