The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their Game 1 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
Amid the blowout loss, the Lakers’ sharpshooter, Austin Reaves, had a tough night from the field.
The veteran guard checked in for 36 minutes. He shot just 3-16 from the field, and missed all five of his shots from beyond the arc. Reaves wrapped up the game with just eight points.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 07: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers and head coach JJ Redick talk during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In addition to his scoring, Reaves had five rebounds, six assists, and one block. He turned the ball over four times.
Reaves’ struggles weren’t the sole reason for the Lakers’ 108-90 loss against the Thunder, but they certainly didn’t have a great shot at taking care of business on the road for Game 1 with their reliable shooter missing so many shots.
Austin Reaves Explains Struggles After Lakers-Thunder Game 1
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“Obviously, the easy thing is to make more shots,” Reaves told reporters, according to Lakers Nation.
“I got to my spots multiple times and just missed a couple easy shots. But for the most part, gotta limit the turnovers, they pressure the ball really well. Gotta give us an opportunity to get a shot on goal every possession.”
The Lakers Are Off To A Rough Start
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
For the second series in a row, the Lakers were heavy favorites heading into Game 1.
During the first round, the Lakers were expected to struggle against the Houston Rockets without Luka Doncic in the lineup. The veteran sharpshooter is still dealing with a hamstring injury.
Reaves was out at the start of the Rockets series as well. He entered the postseason recovering from an oblique strain. After missing the first four games, Reaves checked in for the final two outings against the Rockets.
The veteran improved his shooting in Game 6, going from 25.0% to 50.0% from the field. Unfortunately, the struggles continue to play a part in the Lakers’ loss against the Thunder on Tuesday.
The two teams will meet again for Game 2 on Thursday, May 7.
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