Ahead of Game 2 in their first-round playoff series, Austin Reaves shared his thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers’ disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. The Timberwolves secured a dominant 117-95 victory, leaving the Lakers with plenty to work on before their next showdown.
“We watched what happened in Game 1 and hopefully, we can just right our wrongs,” Reaves said. “We played bad, they shot the ball really well. They’re obviously a really good team that’s physical, and we got to match that. Tomorrow will be a different story.”
Reaves reflected on the Lakers’ performance after a week-long break, noting that the team’s rhythm was disrupted. “We’ve seen it a couple of times this year where we’ve had breaks, like during the All-Star break and injuries, and when we get back together it hasn’t been an instant click,” Reaves explained. “The game did feel a little out of sorts.”
Despite the loss, Reaves acknowledged the Timberwolves’ impressive play. “They came out sharper, and they kicked our ass. We’ve got to be better. Today was a really good practice, so we’re looking forward to tomorrow,” he added.
The Timberwolves showed their defensive prowess in Game 1, forcing the Lakers into mistakes and limiting their offensive flow. Reaves, who struggled in the series opener, admitted that his performance was below expectations. “I played shitty. I wasn’t myself,” he said. “I’ve got to go out there, be myself, play my game, and have fun doing it.”
When asked about the Timberwolves’ physical play, Reaves agreed that it was evident on the court. “Yeah, that’s probably a good indication of that,” he said when discussing the lack of foul calls early in the game.
Looking ahead, Reaves emphasized the importance of the small details in playoff basketball. “When we’re playing hard, it’s about being connected. Everyone’s giving it everything they have on every possession. That’s what the playoffs are about—winning on the small details,” he explained. “Unfortunately, we didn’t do it in Game 1, but it’s a series to win four games, so it’s not the end of the world.”
The Lakers have plenty of adjustments to make after allowing 20+ offensive rebounds and failing to finish possessions. “We had some defensive breakdowns, and some uncharacteristic issues throughout the game,” Reaves admitted. “But we’ll be ready for Game 2.”
As they prepare for the rematch on Tuesday night, Reaves and the Lakers are determined to respond. “It’s a good wake-up call,” he concluded. “They’re a hell of a team. We’ve got to be ready for every possession.”
