Austin Reaves' Shooting Struggles Undermine Lakers in Game 1 Loss to Thunder

The Los Angeles Lakers fell 108–90 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals at the Paycom Center. Austin Reaves logged 36 minutes, shooting 3-for-16 (18.8 % FG) and 0-for-5 from three, with four turnovers, five rebounds, six assists and one block. The Lakers shot 41 % and 33 % from three; Oklahoma City shot 49 % overall and 43 % from three.

The Oklahoman

Reaves missed 31 days after a left oblique strain diagnosed on April 2. He returned in Game 5 of the first-round series versus Houston and has played three playoff games, posting a combined 14-for-46 (30 %) field-goal rate and 2-for-17 (12 %) from three.

Austin Reaves Struggles as Lakers Fall to Thunder in Western Semi-Final Opener

• Reaves’ 18.8 % FG is the lowest by a Laker in a playoff game with >=15 attempts in the past 35 years (ESPN Insights).

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• He was 0-for-10 on contested shots, a mark not seen since Draymond Green in 2023.

ESPN

• Lakers recorded 18 turnovers (some reports list 17) and gave Oklahoma City 20 points off those mistakes.

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• Sources differ on Reaves’ free-throw attempts (2-for-2 in Game 1 versus a prior 13-for-14 stretch) and on his shooting line (3-for-18 vs. 3-for-16).

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LeBron James noted that Reaves had missed a month and emphasized that his presence benefits the team. Head coach JJ Redick described the performance as subpar, but expressed confidence that Reaves will recover and highlighted his value as a player. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said the defensive scheme forced Reaves to earn every opportunity and cautioned against giving him easy looks. Lakers guard Marcus Smart labeled the effort unacceptable and pledged to improve.

Sports Illustrated

Commentator Emmanuel Acho criticized Reaves, saying he should be ashamed of his performance and that he disappears in the playoffs. Some fans questioned his ability to create against elite defenders.

Emmanuel Acho blasts Lakers’ Austin Reaves for ‘abysmal’ Game 1 vs. Thunder

With Luka Doncic out due to a hamstring strain, the Lakers rely on Reaves as a secondary scorer. Persistent shooting woes against the league’s top defense threaten series. Game 2 is Thursday at Paycom Center; the Lakers must improve Reaves’ shot selection and cut turnovers to avoid a 0-2 deficit.

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• “I mean, nobody cares about that. I got to go out there and play better,” — Austin Reaves

Lakers’ Austin Reaves refuses to sugarcoat his forgettable Game 1 performance

• “He was out a month. We know he's gonna make shots and make plays,” — LeBron James

Bleacher Report

• “I think we did a good job of just executing the plan on him,” — Mark Daigneault

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• “But he’s going to bounce back. He’s a great player.” — JJ Redick

New York Post

• “Austin Reaves should be ashamed of himself for the performance he put out on the court today,” — Emmanuel Acho

Emmanuel Acho blasts Lakers’ Austin Reaves for ‘abysmal’ Game 1 vs. Thunder