Often times in an NBA playoff series, it isn’t the star players, but an unsung hero or two who will emerge as the X factor and a major difference maker for the winning team.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers seems to fit that description. He was an intriguing undrafted rookie last season, but this season, he has emerged as the type of player people thought he could become.
He has evolved into a very good 3-point shooter, an adept ball-handler who can also serve as a secondary or relief facilitator and playmaker and someone who can get to the free throw line and knock down foul shots.
Against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Reaves can help ensure victory for L.A. by taking care of these three things.