Matt Ryan, a former DoorDash driver, had logged just five NBA minutes before the 2022-23 season began. Now, he is instrumental to the Lakers.
The 25-year-old sharpshooter, who has carved his way into the early-season rotation for Los Angeles, was on the floor in the final seconds of regulation against the Pelicans on Wednesday evening.
Following a timeout, Austin Reaves inbounded the ball across the court. He found Ryan, who was flying off a flare screen set by Anthony Davis. As the clock expired, Ryan’s catch-and-shoot jumper connected and the game was tied up.
It was a beautiful moment, and it even prettier in slow motion:
This slo-mo of Matt Ryan’s shot 🤯 pic.twitter.com/AdBK4H8ei8
— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2022
Ryan finished the game with 11 points as the Lakers ended up victorious.
He is currently shooting 9-for-20 (45.0%) on 3-pointers to begin the season, and the Lakers have a positive point differential during the minutes when he is on the floor. Ryan is a welcome addition to a team that has struggled with shooting.
Although the season is still early, Ryan is one of the league’s most efficient shooters on handoffs and when spotting up on the perimeter.
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