Austin Reaves Admits Defeat: ‘I Wasn’t Good Enough’ After Heavy Loss in Game 1!

In the opening game of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Austin Reaves found himself grappling with disappointment and frustration. The Lakers were handed a resounding 117-95 defeat, and while Luka Doncic did everything in his power to salvage the game, finishing with 37 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

The loss was particularly bitter given that LeBron James posted only 19 points and Reaves—one of the team’s most consistent scorers in recent weeks—only managed 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Despite coming alive with 14 of those points in the third quarter, it was a performance far below expectations for a player who had been on a tear heading into the postseason.

Austin Reaves struggles despite regular-season surge

Austin Reaves’ performance in Game 1 was a stark contrast to his dominant close to the regular season. Over the final 17 games, he averaged 24.9 points per game with an impressive 52.4% shooting from the field and 42.4% from beyond the arc. His play helped turn the Lakers into legitimate playoff contenders, rounding out what many fans and analysts began calling a “Big Three” alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

But on Saturday night, Reaves didn’t resemble the confident, versatile scorer who had helped power the Lakers down the stretch. His movements were hesitant, his shots lacked rhythm, and his defensive impact was muted. The result was a lackluster showing that left fans and teammates alike yearning for the Reaves they had seen just a few weeks prior.

Reaves owns up to performance: “I wasn’t myself”

In the locker room after the game, Reaves didn’t mince words. Frustrated with his showing, he candidly admitted: “[Expletive]. I wasn’t myself. The reason why, I don’t know. But I’ve got to go out there, be myself, play my game, and enjoy doing it.”

That level of accountability is part of what has endeared Reaves to Lakers fans and the coaching staff alike. As an undrafted guard who carved out his role through grit, hustle, and raw talent, Reaves has made a name for himself by stepping up in big moments. He knows he fell short in Game 1—and now the question is whether he can bounce back in Game 2.

Lakers need the real Reaves for a Game 2 rebound

There’s no sugar-coating it: the Lakers were outplayed in nearly every aspect of Game 1. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Reaves’ third-quarter surge showed he still has the firepower to impact the game. The team will need that version of him from the opening tip on Tuesday.

Head coach Darvin Ham emphasized postgame that the team’s offensive identity revolves around ball movement and pace—two elements that were noticeably absent in Game 1. Reaves, with his ability to create off the dribble, make the extra pass, and knock down tough shots, is central to that identity.

LeBron James, always a vocal leader, backed Reaves after the game. “We win as a team and lose as a team,” James said. “AR has been huge for us all year. One game doesn’t define who he is.”

Reaves must rediscover his offensive rhythm

For Reaves to return to form, he needs to trust his instincts and be aggressive from the get-go. Throughout the latter half of the season, he thrived when he took control of possessions—whether it was driving into the paint, pulling up from mid-range, or launching from beyond the arc.

Against the Timberwolves, who boast one of the NBA’s top-ranked defenses, Reaves will need to be both smart and fearless. Minnesota’s perimeter defenders made life difficult for him in Game 1, often forcing him into contested shots or cutting off passing lanes. Adjusting to their defensive schemes will be key.

It’s also essential for the Lakers to get Reaves into more favorable matchups. Running more pick-and-rolls or off-ball screens to free him up could help reignite his scoring touch.

Defensive contributions will be equally crucial

While Reaves is best known for his offense, his defense is another area that needs to rebound in Game 2. The Timberwolves exploited some of his matchups in transition and on the perimeter, exposing weaknesses that hadn’t been as apparent during the regular season.

Reaves will likely see time guarding players like Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, both of whom were instrumental in Minnesota’s Game 1 victory. Staying disciplined on defense, fighting through screens, and providing help when necessary will be vital to slowing down Minnesota’s attack.

Mental reset: A fresh start in Game 2

More than anything, Reaves needs to enter Game 2 with a clean slate. The playoffs are often defined by how players respond to adversity, and Reaves has the mental toughness to rise to the occasion.

He’s been through worse. Coming into the league undrafted, proving doubters wrong every step of the way, and now establishing himself as a critical piece of the Lakers’ playoff hopes—Reaves has built a career on defying expectations. One bad game won’t shake his confidence.

What’s at stake for the Lakers

The Lakers can’t afford to go down 0-2 heading back to Minnesota. Game 2 isn’t just about evening the series; it’s about restoring belief in their game plan and reasserting their playoff potential. And to do that, they’ll need a full team effort—including a bounce-back performance from Austin Reaves.

If Reaves can find his rhythm early, it could also relieve pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who were both heavily targeted by the Timberwolves’ defense. Balanced scoring is one of the Lakers’ greatest strengths, and it hinges on Reaves being his usual, assertive self.

Final thoughts: Reaves’ redemption arc awaits

The stage is set for a pivotal Game 2 at Crypto.com Arena. All eyes will be on Austin Reaves to see whether he can shake off his Game 1 struggles and return to the form that made him one of the Lakers’ most dangerous weapons late in the season.

Confidence, aggression, and joy—that’s the Reaves the Lakers need. And if his track record is any indication, that’s exactly who he plans to be on Tuesday night.

Lakers fans will be hoping that Game 2 is not just a response, but a redemption.