LOS ANGELES (AP) — Austin Reaves scored a career-high 45 points and the streaking Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 124-117 on Saturday, showcasing their depth even without stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The game, held at Crypto.com Arena, was marked by the Lakers' impressive overall performance, which improves their winning streak to five games and 11 of their last 13.
The Lakers jumped out to a commanding 25-point lead during the first half, and Reaves was pivotal, scoring 14 points during the fourth quarter as Los Angeles held off the Pacers, who came to within four points at one stage. The absence of James, sidelined due to ankle soreness, and Doncic, out with a strained calf, opened the door for other players to step up. This win enabled the Lakers to solidify their position, moving up to fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 31-19.
Rui Hachimura also made significant contributions, celebrating his 27th birthday with 24 points, achieving his scoring primarily through powerful drives and efficient shooting. His performance was complemented by Jaxson Hayes, who contributed with his rebounding prowess, pulling down 12 boards to help the Lakers secure a total of 46 rebounds across the game.
While the Lakers maintained their lead through consistent shooting, making 52.3% of their attempts from the field, they established dominance particularly inside, outscoring the Pacers 58-42 in the paint. The Pacers, playing without Myles Turner due to injury, struggled early on, which was evident as they settled for outside shots with little success.
Austin Reaves, who was almost ruled out before the game due to left elbow soreness, exploded onto the scene, scoring 14 points within the first quarter. His performance seemed to inspire his teammates, as they quickly built up their lead by taking advantage of the Pacers’ slow start and defensive lapses.
"Reaves nearly didn’t play because of his sore left elbow, but elected to suit up with the Lakers’ two stars sidelined," reported AP, highlighting the importance of his presence on the court.
The Pacers mounted attempts to close the gap, briefly pulling to within four points during the second half through aggressive full-court press and fast-break opportunities. Notably, Toronto’s Pascal Siakam delivered for the Pacers, scoring 23 points, supported by Tyrese Haliburton with 19. Despite their eventual efforts, it wasn’t enough to topple the Lakers, who were resolute during the final minutes of the game.
Reaves capped off his domination with swagger, marking his career day with impactful plays, including steals and fast breaks. His final flourish came late when he converted on a steal and dunk, energizing the crowd and sealing the outcome.
The match statistics are telling; the Lakers’ shooting accuracy and ball movement stood out with 29 assists on 46 made field goals, indicating efficient offensive coordination. The triumph not only underscored the Lakers’ adaptability without their stars but also showcased rising talents like Reaves and Hachimura, underlining their potential impact on the season.
“James sat with left ankle soreness, and Doncic watched his third straight game from the Lakers’ bench as he nears return,” AP noted, shedding light on upcoming challenges for the team once both stars are back on the court together.
With their continued success, the Lakers have forged a closer-knit unit, reliant on teamwork and resilience, characteristics quintessential for any championship-caliber team. They steadily keep the pressure on their opponents, proving their ability to contend fiercely even when faced with adversity.
Upcoming for the Lakers is another challenge as they prepare for their next homestead against the Utah Jazz, where they hope to keep their winning momentum alive and create more magic on the court equipped with the confidence they have amassed.
The Lakers’ victory against the Pacers serves as not just another win, but rather as evidence of their evolution and determination to push forward, regardless of the hurdles.