The Los Angeles Lakers secured an unexpected road victory against the Boston Celtics, and while Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell earned well-deserved praise, it was the impactful performance of Jaxson Hayes that stood out. Hayes, the big man for the Lakers, delivered a standout performance, recording 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals in the nine-point win. Particularly noteworthy were his six offensive rebounds and the infectious energy he brought to the team.
Reaves commended Hayes for his defensive prowess, highlighting his ability to guard effectively without committing fouls, especially in challenging situations. Against a formidable opponent like the Celtics, Hayes successfully defended key players, such as Tatum, without resorting to fouls. Reaves emphasized the significance of Hayes’ defensive contributions, including deflecting the ball and enabling transition opportunities, in addition to his less visible hustle plays that may not be reflected on the stat sheet.
Russell echoed the praise for Hayes, acknowledging not only his on-court performance but also his positive mindset throughout the season. Despite being a young player who has experienced team changes and fluctuations in playing time, Hayes maintained a professional and positive mentality. Russell observed that Hayes stayed mentally prepared and demonstrated a strong defensive presence in the absence of key players like Anthony Davis. Russell credited Hayes for his defensive dominance in the game.
In light of injuries to star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, opportunities arose for role players to showcase their capabilities. Hayes, who had seen limited time in the rotation, seized the chance to prove his worth with a notable performance when given regular minutes. Russell emphasized the significance of Hayes’ readiness when the opportunity presented itself, underscoring his defensive impact on the game.
Reaves acknowledged the collective effort required in the absence of key players, emphasizing the role players’ chance to demonstrate their abilities. He emphasized the simplicity of their approach—coming together as a unit and playing with maximum effort. While injuries are not wished for, Reaves noted that they provided an opportunity for role players to showcase their skills. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of maintaining the same collective effort even when James and Davis return to the lineup. The victory against the Celtics underscored the team’s unity and resilience in overcoming challenges, with Hayes emerging as a key contributor to their success.
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