In a surprising move, Lakers coach Darvin Ham shook up the starting lineup for their game against the Phoenix Suns, benching Malik Beasley in favor of Austin Reaves. And boy did it pay off.
Reaves, coming off a career-high 35-point game, shone in his new starting role, notching a career-best 11 assists and 25 points in the Lakers’ 122-111 win over the Suns. The victory moves the Lakers back into the No. 10 spot in the West and keeps their playoff hopes alive with just nine games left in the season.
The Lakers’ offense looked dynamic with multiple playmakers on the court, as Reaves, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell all put pressure on the Suns’ defense. Reaves’ inclusion in the starting group led to a season-high 46 free throw attempts for the Lakers, as he got to the line 13 times and made 12.
“Obviously, we don’t want to be in this position,” Reaves said after the game. “We’d like to be first in the league. But this is the position that we’re in. So, it’s going to be hectic, but this is why you play the game. You want high-pressure moments, and you really want to play under the lights.”
Ham was thrilled with how his new-look starting lineup performed, saying, “You like the little trick up the sleeve?” and adding, “I just felt like it made all sense in the world. “
The Lakers now face a crucial game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently the No. 8 team in the West, on Friday. The season series is tied at 1-1, so the tiebreaker is up for grabs, making this another game with major seeding implications.
“The guys know what’s at stake. We have to take advantage of this homestand,” Ham said. “Hopefully Friday we come out with the same type of juice and energy that we had tonight.” With Reaves providing a spark in the starting lineup, the Lakers’ playoff hopes are alive and well.
