JJ Redick had hinted that a night like Wednesday’s was coming.
The Lakers would have to depend on players outside their usual roster due to various circumstances.
In this case, they were missing superstar guard Luka Doncic (who was sidelined with back tightness) and Ziaire Williams (who had left foot soreness) as they faced the Clippers. This game was part of a back-to-back set following a home loss to the Trail Blazers the previous night.
Despite the absence of their top player and one of their starting wings, the Lakers bounced back from their first loss of the season by defeating the Clippers 103-85.
With Doncic out, a lot of the focus shifted to Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ second-best player, who had started the season strong.
The sixth-year guard has demonstrated his capability to shine when he’s the main focus, often posting numbers that rival those of All-NBA guards.
Clippers coach Ty Lue recognized the challenge Reaves presents. “He can beat you by himself. … He’s elite,” Lue stated.
The Clippers treated Reaves accordingly, employing aggressive defensive strategies to disrupt his rhythm, which has been difficult for opponents to slow down since the season began.
Reaves ended the night with 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting and had eight turnovers, breaking his streak of four consecutive games with over 23 points while shooting at least 54% from the field.
However, the Lakers didn’t require an extraordinary performance from him this time.
Instead, Collin Sexton, known as the “Young Bull,” showcased why he earned that nickname. He contributed significantly on both ends of the court, which the team appreciates.
Quentin Grimes, stepping into the starting lineup for the first time, also delivered an impressive two-way performance.
Matisse Thybulle enjoyed an almost flawless night shooting.
Sexton added 21 points, scoring nine consecutive points late in the third quarter, helping increase the Lakers’ lead from 13 to 20 points.
Meanwhile, Grimes had a season-high 23 points along with five assists and four steals.
Thybulle finished with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt made his season debut amid the team’s injuries, posting a plus-22 in 21 minutes of play.
The Clippers, as has often been the case this season, were also short-handed, missing players like Rui Hachimura, Brandon Ingram, and Bradley Beal.
