Austin Reaves and Group USA had been handed their first lack of the 2023 FIBA World Cup this week by the hands of Lithuania.
Whereas many on the American facet did not carry out to expectations within the 110-104 defeat, Reaves had a very brutal recreation.
Not solely did he fail to play nicely offensively, recording seven factors on 1-of-4 capturing in 13 minutes of motion, however he was an enormous legal responsibility defensively. The opposing facet was concentrating on him a lot that Group USA head coach Steve Kerr needed to take away him from the sport.
Reaves additionally discovered himself the topic of open ridicule by the hands of Lithuanian gamers.
Within the aftermath, Reaves was requested about his ideas on the disrespect he bought from the Lithuanian facet.
How does Austin Reaves really feel about this the morning after? Right here’s what he advised me moments earlier than apply:
“There’s been many instances in my profession the place individuals checked out me sideways or accomplished stuff so it’s basketball and on the finish of the day, it doesn’t matter.” https://t.co/k0bAyegwH5 pic.twitter.com/QcTJu9sve8
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) September 4, 2023
“There’s been many instances in my profession the place individuals checked out me sideways or accomplished stuff so it’s basketball and on the finish of the day, it doesn’t matter,” he stated.
What’s fascinating about the entire thing is that the participant who most taunted Reaves, Vaidas Kariniauskas, supplied a stunning rationale for his actions following the sport.
Spencer Reaves, brother of Austin Reaves, advised Vaidas Kariniauskas to trash-talk his youthful sibling #FIBAWC #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/xvf2ekD8Qq
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) September 3, 2023
“I performed together with his brother [Spencer] final 12 months,” he stated. “I talked with [Spencer] earlier than the sport, and he stated, ‘Give [Austin] a trash speak.’ So I gave him that.”
This most up-to-date recreation apart, Reaves has had a charmed summer time. He has been partying it up together with his lady. He bought a four-year, $54 million contract from the Los Angeles Lakers.
What every week for Florida State already. https://t.co/anTLn5wJiT
— Sport 7 (@game7__) September 4, 2023
Life, for essentially the most half, has been good to him.
In that respect, whereas the Lithuania recreation might have been a bit uncomfortable, it’s not the tip of the world.
How will Reaves finally bounce again from his disappointing final time? Time will inform.
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