'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABhAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwgQAAEEAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQGAAUTIQcRIjEyAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBBEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDEQAEBaH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMlW6JC6T1euRYCRMn2PSY2rPrksMusMBzjbQhYUSfHJAitazKSl8PsAOgL7bix9c+gMYwedK+xqI0jFjZPuUSKBIaFUBn//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
LA Lakers guard Austin Reaves emerged as the unlikely hero on Sunday night in a win against the Orlando Magic. With the guard notching a career-high scoring night to lead the team's winning efforts, NBA fans were in awe of Reaves' performance.
The LA Lakers saw Austin Reaves completely take over the game against the Magic. In a 111-105 winning effort, Reaves put up a tremendous 35 points along with six rebounds and six assists.
Reaves provided the Lakers' with some timely baskets and plays. Whether this involved kickstarting the team's scoring runs or stunting Orlando's, the young guard brought his A-game on Sunday.
Given that the Lakers were playing without LeBron James yet again, Reaves did a solid job of making up for his absence. While also considering that the game was a must-win, the guard closed out the game in spectacular fashion.
Reaves has been a fan-favorite since his rookie season. This season, however, has seen the youngster cement himself as an essential element in the team's mechanism.
With fans taking note of his career-high night, they shared their reactions on Twitter. Here are some of the best ones:
Austin Reaves' display sees the Lakers through to a necessary win. With a 35-37 record on the season, the Purple and Gold are back in the play-in tournament bracket.
Given the string of inconsistent performances over the last week, the LA Lakers will hope to gain some momentum after this win. Coming up against an old nemesis in their next game, LA will need their best players available.
Austin Reaves will be essential against the Phoenix Suns
The LA Lakers are set to face the Phoenix Suns at home on Wednesday night. Given the history around this matchup and the position the Lakers are in, Purple and Gold have to come out of this with a win.
Several factors are working in the Lakers' favor at the moment. The Suns haven't been as solid as a defensive unit after giving up several role players at the trade deadline. Additionally, Phoenix may also be without two key players in Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant.
However, the Lakers will also face some setbacks. LA Lakers superstar LeBron James continues to be sidelined as he recuperates from injury. Although he has been seen attending games without a walking boot, there has been no update on the timeline for his return.
Meanwhile, the Purple and Gold will also be concerned about Anthony Davis' recent string of performances. While he was effective against the Dallas Mavericks, Davis hasn't been the most consistently dominant player on the floor.
With all this in mind, the Lakers may find themselves turning to Austin Reaves once again. As Reaves quickly establishes himself as the closer for this team, the Purple and Gold are likely to rely on him to go up against Devin Booker for some stretches.
Guess the Lakers players!
