"Didn't realize he was this good": JJ Redick in awe of Lakers' $54,000,000 star after elite game vs. Suns
Lakers coach JJ Redick showered star guard Austin Reaves with praise following their 123-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Redick was highly impressed by Reaves' standout performance at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the former Wichita State guard helped the Lakers rally from a 22-point deficit to secure the win.
Reaves, currently on a four-year, $54 million contract with the Lakers, delivered an all-around performance that filled the stat sheet. The young guard sparked the Lakers' offense with his sharp pick-and-rolls with Anthony Davis while taking advantage of every scoring opportunity himself.
Throughout much of the game, the Lakers' offense flowed through Reaves, who displayed excellent decision-making. From setting up Davis for easy baskets to finding open shooters and knocking down shots, the former Oklahoma standout orchestrated a masterclass performance against Kevin Durant and the Suns.
Coach Redick couldn’t contain his admiration for Reaves' efforts, expressing great satisfaction with the guard's heroics.
"Everyday, he keeps getting better and showing more," Redick said after the game. "I knew he was good. I didn't realize he was this good. He's a fantastic basketball player."
Reaves concluded the game with an impressive 26 points, shooting 8 of 12 from the field, including an outstanding 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. The young guard also contributed four rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, while making 5 of 6 from the free-throw line.
JJ Redick on Austin Reaves' defense
Austin Reaves may not be the fastest defender against some of the league’s top perimeter players, but his relentless effort on every defensive possession is undeniable. Coach Redick took note of this quality and praised the Lakers guard for his dedication even before the season began.
"I never thought he was a chump defensively, but he competes his ass off on that end,” Redick said, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times. "He knows what he’s supposed to do. He’s in the right spots. If he’s supposed to veer, he veers.
"If he’s supposed to be the low man, he’s the low man. If he’s supposed to be at the nail, he’s at the nail. He just does a lot of really good things on the basketball floor."
In the first two games, Reaves has faced off against Anthony Edwards, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, and the Lakers guard has held his ground on the majority of possessions.