“I’M HIM” - Austin Reaves has career night as he carries depleted Los Angeles Lakers to upset victory over Boston Celtics

The struggling Lakers went on the road to face the best team in the NBA without their 2 All-Stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. At first glance, it seemed like another easy win for the home team in this long historic rivalry. However, Austin Reaves had other plans, as he took over the game and led LA to a remarkable 114-105 victory over the Celtics at TD Garden.

The Los Angeles Lakers has always been known as a winning franchise, as they have a total of 17 total NBA championships. This season has been different though, as coming out of the gate they have struggled. Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals last season and winning the inaugural in-season tournament, this team was under .500 heading into this game while having 2 superstar talents. There’s turmoil between the coaching staff and players are hearing their names all over the trade rumors. Things have been looking like a mess and only time will tell if things will turn around.

Tonight was a good starting point, as Austin Reaves helped LA pick up a quality win over the top team in the Association. Reaves ended the night with 32 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists on a career-high 7 made three pointers. D’Angelo Russell finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 14 assists, and 2 steals while Jaxson Hayes recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum led the way with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists with 5 made threes. Kristaps Porzingis ended with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 5 blocks. Sam Hauser lit it up off the bench tonight, hitting 5 three pointers and finishing with 17 points.

This win improves the Lakers to 25-25 on the season, which makes them the 9th seed in the West and 2 games behind the 9th seeded Dallas Mavericks. This win snaps a 2-game losing streak and puts them back on the right track. They’ll continue to keep this going on Saturday night when they face off against the New York Knicks.

On the other hand, this loss drops Boston to 37-12, which is 4.5 games above the 2-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10 games and despite this loss being one they wish they could have back, it’s not the end of the world considering they’re still on of the most dominant teams in the league. Their next matchup will be on Sunday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.