The Los Angeles Lakers continued their solid season with another statement win on Friday night, defeating the Houston Rockets 140-109 to take the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, setting them up for what it set to be an intense postseason period.
Despite the nerves, Austin Reaves was positively delighted after the game, even admitting to reporters that “I feel like we could win a championship, to be honest with you.
His teammate Luka Doncic, who managed 39 points across three quarters of the game, echoed his sentiment: “That’s our only goal. I think we have the team to do it. The good part of the season is coming, so you got to stay ready, got to stay locked in, but for sure, the rest is going to be great for me. We have a great team around us; everybody helps us in so many ways. So, if we want to win the championship it’s going to take all of us.
In the celebrations during the aftermath, head coach JJ Redick was forced to change into a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt before his press conference after players was soaked with ice water in celebration of the team’s 50th win. “The whole locker room is literally water, straight water”, Rui Hachimura said, beaming from ear to ear.
Redick apologised for the mess and estimated that the player antics will cost around $17,000 in damages to repair the locker room carpet. On his feelings, he added that he was “just incredibly proud of our team. It’s an accomplishment to win 50 games in the regular season in any year. I think particularly in this year, in this Western Conference, it is. And it’s a credit to our players. Each one at different points in time has contributed to winning. They’ve all participated in a winning culture.
The only downside to the game was the injury sustained by LeBron James, who left the court after scoring 14 points and grabbing 8 assists in 22 minutes. Worry flooded the fans as LeBron declined to speak to reporters but Redick confirmed that he was “fine”
The player instead took to social media, where he posted a message of support to his colleagues: “Man I was going to say something but it’s useless at this point in my career! Anyways more important CONGRATULATIONS JJ on a 50 win season in the WEST & Post Season nod!”
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