Austin Reaves spoke candidly after the Lakers fell 113-110 to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, discussing late-game frustration and missed opportunities. “Yeah, just missed,” Reaves said after missing a corner 3 at the buzzer that would have tied the game.
The guard emphasized focusing on what can be controlled, stating, “Watch film, be better, control the very controllable things that we’re doing out there… you got to move on and be better next time.” He acknowledged the emotional swings of in-game adversity, adding, “It’s just next play mentality. You can’t think about past mistakes… you got to move on and continue to compete at a high level.”
Reaves broke down Phoenix’s offensive approach that led to 22 made 3-pointers on 50 attempts: “That’s how they play. Pass, sprint, slip, pass, drive, close out, throw it to the weak side, swing… makes your defense work. We obviously needed to be better in that aspect.”
Discussing the team’s late-game design play, Reaves said, “It’s just the design of the play. It was a good play call. I got a good look, missed it… it was what the play was designed to do.” He also highlighted the Lakers’ resilience in overcoming a 12-point deficit late in the third quarter: “Luka made a million tough shots and Marcus made a huge defensive play, got the block… just high-level basketball from him and everybody else as well.”
On maintaining consistency, Reaves addressed the team’s ongoing challenges: “Control the controllables… there’s just a handful of plays tonight I feel like if we are better, we can swing a game. One little play, one little mistake can ignite.” He stressed that every possession matters in tight games like Thursday’s against the Suns.
The Lakers saw strong performances from Luka Doncic, who posted 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, and LeBron James, who added 15 points and six boards. Despite a late rally, Royce O’Neale’s game-winning 3-pointer sealed Phoenix’s 113-110 victory, improving the Suns to 34-26, while Los Angeles fell to 34-24.
Reaves’ remarks highlighted the importance of mindset and preparation in close contests. “Next play mentality, control the controllables… that’s how we move forward,” he concluded.
