Austin Reaves Scores 50 Points for Lakers in Stunning Performance

Austin Reaves’ Historic 50-Point Game Lifts Lakers to Victory

In a stunning display of individual brilliance, Austin Reaves stepped up when the Lakers needed him most, delivering a career-defining performance against the Sacramento Kings.

Reaves Takes Charge in Stars’ Absence

With Luka Dončić and LeBron James sidelined for the matchup against the Kings, Reaves embraced the role of primary scorer and playmaker. The undrafted guard put together a spectacular stat line: 51 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals in 39 minutes of action.

Reaves shot an efficient 12-of-22 from the field and an impressive 6-of-10 from three-point range, carrying the Lakers to a 2-1 record with his heroic efforts.

Back-and-Forth Battle

The game remained intensely competitive throughout. Los Angeles established an early lead, finishing the first quarter up 36-27, but Sacramento responded with a 35-26 second quarter to narrow the gap heading into halftime.

Neither team could pull away significantly until Reaves took over in the final period, ultimately securing a crucial road victory for the Lakers.

Fourth Quarter Domination

Reaves “went completely off the rails” in the final twelve minutes, as one observer noted. His three-point shooting became unstoppable as he connected repeatedly from deep range.

He showcased his versatility by hitting threes in various situations: coming off screens against Domantas Sabonis, stepping back against DeMar DeRozan’s defense, and converting even with Dennis Schröder playing tight defense.

The guard also demonstrated his ability to attack the basket, scoring numerous points in the paint and on floaters after aggressive drives. Reaves frequently drew contact, resulting in an astonishing 22 free throw attempts, of which he made 21.

Team-First Mentality

“When you don’t have Luka, don’t have Bron, don’t have Jackson Hayes, you understand you have to go out and do something important for the team,” Reaves commented post-game. “I wasn’t thinking about scoring 50 points—I was thinking, ‘Do whatever you can to help the team win.’ And we played—not just me, but everyone—we played a damn good game.”

Ayton’s Crucial Support

Similar to Dončić’s situation, Reaves received significant support from Deandre Ayton, who has emerged as a league leader in screen assists. Ayton not only served as the primary pick-and-roll partner but also punished the Kings when they attempted to trap the ball handler.

“D.A. was just a monster,” Reaves emphasized. “That’s what we need. We push him every day to play that way. In the Minnesota game, he received a pocket pass and tried to dunk but missed. We got the offensive rebound and drew a foul with the basket, but me and Luka immediately went to him and said, ‘That’s exactly what we need.’ Right now, we don’t care if you make it or miss it, do it—because most of the time you’ll either make it or draw a foul.”

Historic Company

Last season, only Denver had multiple players reach the 50-point mark. The Lakers nearly achieved the same feat within three games (Dončić missed a free throw and subbed out with 49 points against Minnesota). Overall, 50-point games occurred only 18 times throughout the entire previous season.

Reaves becomes just the fifth Lakers player after Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis to score 50 points in a game.

“I stepped to the free throw line and thought, ‘Damn, better not miss this.’ All of my relationship with Luka is just trash talk and teasing each other. At the end of the conversation he texted, ‘I need 60 today,’ and I replied, ‘Hahaha.'”

The undrafted guard’s performance leaves no doubt about his growing importance to the Lakers’ success this season.