Austin Reaves scored a career-high 45 points, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a thrilling 124-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers on February 8, 2025. The game, held at the Crypto.com Arena, showcased Reaves' extraordinary talent and potential as he stepped up amid the absence of star players LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
With James sidelined due to left ankle soreness and Doncic unable to play for the third consecutive game due to his strained calf, Reaves seized the opportunity and delivered one of the best performances of his career. "He provided a performance of superstar with 45 points," noted ESPN, highlighting his exceptional shooting and tenacity on both ends of the court.
Rui Hachimura also contributed significantly, scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds on his 27th birthday. The Lakers started strong, jumping to a quick lead, with Reaves scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone. They ended the first quarter leading 44-22, showcasing their offensive prowess and teamwork.
Despite their explosive start, the Lakers faced challenges as the Pacers attempted to make a comeback. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton helped rally Indiana, but each time the Pacers seemed to close the gap, the Lakers responded. By halftime, the Lakers managed to maintain a solid lead at 66-50. Reaves' ability to command the floor was evident as he continued to score at will.
Entering the second half, the momentum shifted. The Pacers started to chip away at the deficit, bringing the score within four at one point, but Reaves and the Lakers weren't ready to let go of their advantage. Austin's key plays included draining consecutive three-pointers and dominating the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points to keep Indiana at bay.
Notably, Reaves not only demonstrated scoring ability but also played effectively on defense, contributing seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. ESPN emphasized, "Reaves is the 19th undrafted player to record a 40-point game." He displayed resilience and talent, making all 13 of his free-throw attempts and fulfilling his role as the lead scorer. The confidence he displayed throughout the game did not go unnoticed by fans or analysts alike.
Despite the palpable energy from the Pacers, who lost only their fourth game out of the last 17, the Lakers held firm. The teams went back-and-forth late in the game as Indiana's rally narrowed the lead to just five points within the final two minutes. But Reaves, with poise beyond his years, made pivotal free throws to cement the win, finishing with “a new record of 45 points” to round out his evening.
With this win, the Lakers improved to 31-19 for the season and extended their winning streak to five games, solidifying their position as contenders. According to the Associated Press, "His career night included seven rebounds and seven assists," demonstrating his value to the team on multiple fronts.
The Lakers will look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz next, where both Doncic and James are expected to make their returns. Reaves’ performance might signal his importance to the team, especially as they aim for playoff positioning and potentially pursue the championship. With fans buzzing about his growth, the victory exemplifies what this team can achieve even when shorthanded.