On May 12, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs saw the Los Angeles Lakers fall 115-110 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing the series 4-0. Austin Reaves’ performance in this elimination game sparked intense debate: he recorded as many turnovers as made field goals (8 each), and his overall impact was arguably inferior to that of Ajay Mitchell, who earned just $3 million this season. With his max contract extension looming — a potential five-year, $240 million deal — and a missed game-tying three-pointer, many are questioning whether the Lakers should commit that kind of money.
Reaves started strong in the first quarter, converting a difficult reverse layup and shooting 3-for-3 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three, for 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block with zero turnovers. However, the Thunder ramped up their defensive pressure in the second quarter.
Reaves’ efficiency dropped significantly in the second period, hitting just 2-of-6 attempts. More critically, the Lakers’ collapse began with his turnovers. He committed three turnovers in the second quarter alone, fueling a 17-0 Thunder run. At halftime, Reaves had 15 points (5-of-9 FG, 2-of-4 3PT) and 3 turnovers — not terrible, but a warning sign.
The third quarter was a disaster. In just four minutes, Reaves committed three more turnovers, each leading to Thunder scores. Lakers media roasted him, calling him a “damn idiot.” Timberwolves media sarcastically wrote, “I really hope the Lakers re-sign Reaves this summer,” a clear jab at the potential $240 million deal. Lakers media noted, “Reaves has zero field goals in the third quarter and already has his fourth turnover.”
After another poor pass, Rui Hachimura and LeBron James hit back-to-back threes to cut the deficit. Reaves got to the free-throw line five times to regain rhythm, scoring 7 points and dishing 3 assists in the quarter but adding 4 more turnovers. Through three quarters, he had 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 turnovers.
Early in the fourth quarter, Reaves committed yet another sloppy turnover before nailing a difficult step-back three. Marcus Smart followed with three consecutive turnovers of his own, allowing the Thunder to retake the lead. Hachimura’s 3+1 and Smart’s 2+1 briefly gave the Lakers hope, but Hartenstein’s dunk put OKC back ahead. LeBron missed a go-ahead floater, and Reaves’ potential game-tying three-pointer rimmed out.
Reaves finished the game with 43 minutes played, shooting 8-of-16 from the field, 3-of-7 from three, and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line for 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 8 turnovers. His shooting percentages (50% FG, 42.9% 3PT) were respectable, but his turnover count matched his made field goals — an alarming anomaly. He posted a minus-6 plus/minus.
