Reaves struggles as Lakers fall to Thunder in Game 1
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Oklahoma City — On Tuesday the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, while Lakers guard Austin Reaves, returning from a Grade 2 left oblique strain, shot 3-for-16, missed all five three-point attempts, and had four turnovers.
LeBron James and coach J.J. Redick acknowledged Reaves' uneven performance on Tuesday; reporters noted he is 14-for-46 since returning in the first round. The Lakers are scheduled to play Game 2 on Thursday at Paycom Center, with analysts and team staff urging adjustments before Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles on Saturday and Monday.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Reaves missed roughly one month with a Grade 2 left oblique strain before returning late in the first round.
- 2. Reaves returned in Game 5 of the Lakers’ first-round series versus the Houston Rockets.
- 3. Since his return he has shot 14-for-46 overall and 2-for-17 on three-point attempts.
- 4. Tuesday: Oklahoma City defeated the Lakers 108-90 in Western Conference semifinal Game 1; Reaves shot 3-for-16 with four turnovers.
- 5. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at Paycom Center; Games 3 and 4 are set for the following Saturday and Monday in Los Angeles.
Why it matters
If you're a Lakers fan, Reaves' performance could impact the team's playoff run. His shooting slump since returning from injury is a concern. Watch Game 2 on Thursday to see if he improves.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
