Austin Reaves just went absolutely nuclear, dropping 43 points on the road against the Pistons. Seriously, if you missed this one, you missed a masterclass in how to step up when your superstar is sidelined, because Luka Dončić was out of the lineup. The Lakers didn’t just win, they showed exactly what JJ Redick’s “play hard” philosophy looks like on a young, athletic squad. This isn’t just about a win, it is about a team showing its true colors.
Reaves Unleashes the Beast, Leads the Charge
Forty-three points. Let that sink in. Austin Reaves was everything you could possibly want from a near-max player when the main guy is out. He took on every single bit of Luka’s role, dealing with intense ball pressure all night long. And despite all that, he still put up those 43 points on incredible efficiency, going 14-27 from the field, 4-6 from three, and a perfect 11-11 from the free throw line. That is an A+ performance. It felt like every possession, Reaves was either getting a bucket or setting someone else up, ending with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. This is the kind of game that tells you everything you need to know about his drive.
The Lakers’ tenacious play started early, jumping all over the Pistons in the first quarter, which is exactly what Redick’s teams are built to do. Quentin Grimes was a big part of that early surge, hitting four of his first five shots. Almost all of his 12 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block came in that opening frame. He was a necessary ballhandler, alleviating pressure off Reaves, even if he faded later. Jake LaRavia also got some interesting run as a ballhandler, chipping in 5 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. It wasn’t disastrous, but fans might be hoping that experiment stays in the past.
Kessler Dominates the Glass, Thybulle Struggles
While Reaves was busy cooking, Walker Kessler was absolutely owning the paint. The big man delivered a massive showing, stuffing the stat sheet with 12 points, a monstrous 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks. Seven of those 16 boards were on the offensive glass, and each one felt like it led directly to another basket. His ability to just vacuum up rebounds and protect the rim is a huge asset. Kessler’s performance was a solid A.
On the other side of the coin, Matisse Thybulle had another rough night offensively. This was his third consecutive subpar offensive game, hitting just one of his last nine threes over that span. That no-dip shooting style might be messing with his timing, because 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 steals just aren’t cutting it for a starter. His starting spot might not be in jeopardy yet, but there are definitely options behind him if this continues. Sandro Mamukelashvili also had a relatively quiet night with 7 points and 3 rebounds, showing a couple of moments early but fading as the game went on. Jarred Vanderbilt only put up 2 points, but the source didn’t give more details on his night.
This win on the road, without their superstar, is a huge statement. It shows that Redick’s emphasis on playing hard isn’t just coach-speak, it is actually manifesting on the court. That is an incredibly encouraging trait for this team moving forward.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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