Austin Reaves returned to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup in Game 5 of their series against the Houston Rockets, but faced challenges finding his rhythm after a four-week absence due to a torn left oblique muscle.

Lakers' Lead in Jeopardy

The Lakers, previously holding a comfortable 3-0 lead, now face the possibility of a historic collapse. They risk becoming the first team in NBA history to lose a series after being up 3-0.

Reaves' Difficult Return

Reaves, who last played on April 2nd in Oklahoma City, admitted the intensity of playoff basketball was a shock. He stated that practice alone couldn’t fully prepare him for the speed and pressure of a postseason game.

Despite playing nearly 34 minutes, Reaves shot poorly, going 4-for-16 from the field and 2-for-8 from three-point range. His first shot, a three-pointer, missed, and a subsequent attempt also failed to fall.

Team Struggles and Historical Context

The Lakers’ three-point shooting has significantly declined, dropping from 47% in the first three games to just 23% in the last two. Reaves’ struggles mirror this team-wide issue, raising concerns about their ability to close out the series.

Historically, only four NBA teams have forced a Game 7 after being down 3-0, and no team has ever blown a 3-0 series lead. The Lakers are now on the verge of making unwanted history.

Hope for Game 6

Reaves has demonstrated resilience before, bouncing back from a calf strain in December with a 35-point performance against the 76ers just two days later. The Lakers are hoping for a similar resurgence in Game 6 in Houston.

The Rockets, with momentum on their side, are aiming to make history themselves. The Lakers’ once-dominant lead now feels precarious, and Reaves’ performance will be critical in determining their fate.