Red-hot Lakers ride Austin Reaves’ breakout game to earn No. 2 seed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers entered Friday night's matchup against Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks on a five game win streak. Furthermore, NBA Cup seeding was on the line, as each team competed in their final Group Play game. Ultimately, it was Los Angeles that prevailed, pulling away in the second half to defeat Dallas by 10. Despite trailing at halftime, the Lakers outscored Dallas by six in both the third and quarters.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAustin Reaves led the way, putting together one of his best and most efficient performances of the season. Reaves finished with 38 points on an incredible 12-for-15 shooting including 6-for-eight shooting from downtown. Reaves also added eight rebounds and three assists. Luka Doncic performed well too, finishing with 35 points, 11 assists and five rebounds including a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line. Deandre Ayton was also highly effective, finishing with 17 points and eight rebounds on 8-for-9 shooting.
That said, strong shooting was common throughout the entire Lakers lineup. The team shot 59% from the field for the game and an exceptional mark of 51% from three.
The win earned Los Angeles the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference side of the NBA Cup bracket. Oklahoma City took the No. 1 seed and will host the Phoenix Suns in the quarterfinals. The Lakers will host the San Antonio Spurs. Both games will take place on Dec. 10.
In the meantime, Los Angeles will look for their seventh consecutive win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
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