"Today, He Didn't Want to Shoot": Luka Doncic Sends Blunt Message to Austin Reaves on Passive Approach

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies - Source: Imagn
"Today, He Didn't Want to Shoot": Luka Doncic Sends Blunt Message to Austin Reaves on Passive Approach (Image Source: Imagn)

Luka Doncic didn't hesitate to mention Austin Reaves' passiveness during the Lakers' 117-112 win over the Grizzlies on Friday. Reaves was on a tear the past week as Doncic nursed a left finger and left leg injury, missing three games. The rising star led LA to a surprising 2-1 record with wins over the healthy Kings and Anthony Edwards-less Timberwolves.

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He dropped 51 points against Sacramento, scored 41 in the loss to Portland and 28 against Minnesota, while tallying 16 assists. On Friday, Reaves wasn't as aggressive after Doncic's return, who didn't let his co-star live that down.

"It can be way better," Doncic said on Friday regarding the Lakers' offense amid Reaves' rise (via Spectrum SportsNet on X). "Obviously, today he didn't want to shoot the ball. I don't know why. I told him.
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"But I mean, we got LeBron coming back. Obviously, I don't know when, but I feel like we have a lot of improvement left in the offense." (from 1:57 mark of the postgame interview below)

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Austin Reaves finished with 14 attempts, including eight 3s. He made only five shots, two from long range. Nevertheless, he finished with 21 points after getting to the free-throw line nine times and making all attempts.

On the other hand, Luka Doncic added 44 points on 27 shot attempts. He caught fire early, scoring 13 in his first 10 minutes. It seemed like a measured response from Reaves to let the superstar find his rhythm in his first game back.

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When it mattered, he shifted gears and took pressure off Doncic to lead the team to a 15-point comeback win.


After another 40-point night, Austin Reaves praises Luka Doncic

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic's chemistry was on full display after the game. The Lakers' backcourt duo picked up where they left off after taking to the court together for the first time since Oct. 24 with another 60-point combined effort.

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Reaves poked fun at Doncic during his post-game interview, reminding Doncic that it was his "job" to be the best player and have another massive night.

"Thank you for doing your job today," Reaves said.
"You're stupid," Doncic replied.

Watch the video below (via Luka Updates on X):

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Austin Reaves had requested Luka Doncic and other injured players to return after carrying the load over the past week in their absences. Doncic returned and did exactly that.

Reaves hailed him for not missing a beat and continuing in the rich vein of form that he was when he last played a week ago.

Doncic is averaging an absurd 45.3 points on 58.4% shooting, becoming only the second player after Wilt Chamberlain to score over 40 points in three consecutive games. Chamberlain did it twice.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje
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