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Lakers Fall 108-90 as Reaves Returns, Posts Historic Low Shooting

5/6/2026

47 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Reaves Returns

Lakers lost to Thunder 108-90 in Game 1 of the second-round series.
Austin Reaves returned after a month with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.
He scored eight points on 3-of-16 shooting, missed all five threes, and recorded six assists.
His 8 % FG was the lowest for a Lakers player with >=15 attempts in a playoff game in 35 years, a situation that endangers the offense with Luka Doncic out.

Summary

Reaves Limited

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault planned to keep Austin Reaves off the free-throw line and force him to earn shots.
The Lakers shot 41 % overall, 33 % from three, and committed 18 turnovers that produced 20 Thunder points.
Reaves is eligible for a five-year, $241 million contract but may decline his $14.9 million player option for 2026-27.
The series format lets the Lakers even the matchup on the road before Games 3 and 4 at home.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the Houston Rockets, a sixth-seed with a 47-35 record, became the first low-seed team to repeat as NBA champions, sweeping the Orlando Magic and cementing the “Clutch City” era led by Hakeem Olajuwon. The 2024 Los Angeles Lakers, now coping with Austin Reaves’ oblique strain and an 8% shooting night, echo how injuries and shooting slumps have historically swung playoff momentum.

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Reaves Returns

Lakers lost to Thunder 108-90 in Game 1 of the second-round series.
Austin Reaves returned after a month with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.
He scored eight points on 3-of-16 shooting, missed all five threes, and recorded six assists.
His 8 % FG was the lowest for a Lakers player with >=15 attempts in a playoff game in 35 years, a situation that endangers the offense with Luka Doncic out.

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