Austin Thieves absolutely clamping Dame, shutting him down three times in one play and packing his jumper
Dame with 3 straight unsuccessful attempts at creating separation from AR, ending in a blocked shot.
Austin was fantastic all night on Dame, helping to force a 9-29 shooting performance. pic.twitter.com/IT9wSCornf
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) March 27, 2024
by ProblematicAndCrazy
23 Comments
If this is the defense Austin is going to bring into the playoffs, the Lakers are going to surprise a LOT of people
Crazy how Lillard went from certified Lakers killer even on a tanking Blazers team to getting outplayed by AR and D’Lo in both games this season
I mean until the conference finals, austin’s defense wasnt bad at all. He defended bane really well except for game 4, really defended hard as he can against steph curry
“Austin you’re hiiiim”
Austin always has good footwork and heart to play defense. Thing is hes just slightly too short/too short of wingspan. Imagine if he had just one more inch of either. He constantly has his hand in faces
It was Austin time…
He is all heart and hustle too, he may not be a lockdown defender but the effort is 100% always there.
I believe on this previous play, Austin got embarrassed by Dame. I’m sure there was a collective sigh from all of us. Thats what makes this play more special. Dude realized it, collected himself and tried harder.
Austin was actually a legitimately good POA defender his first two years, both by metrics and by the eye test. The weird part is how he suddenly became food halfway through the FIBA tournament and throughout the first half of the season.
And he got the foul at the end.
His defense was incredible last night. Clamped up Dame and Middleton in some key moments.
His defense these last 10 games or so, is starting to look like his D last year. Competitive, not giving up on plays, often making plays from behind.
I like it.
Clamped
Dame was dog tired.
I know majority of the season he’s been getting hunted, but this is exactly the kind of defense that got him playing time in the first place. When he goes all out on it, he can be a very good defensive player.
https://earnglobal.co/share/kingvirg1394
AR played amazing defense this game. Even late in game when everyone was exhausted, he was allowing ZERO separation from his man. Dame and Middleton especially.
And was still the most energetic on offense as well. Dudes got a hell of a motor
AR gets targeted by bigger players and the babble in the NBA community is that he cant defend. I think he is a decent defender for his size. Not particularly quick but very smart and can be tenacious.
I like Austin Thieves or Austin “Prince of thieves” Reaves way better than AR15.
Bucks fan posting Giannis bullying AD, this should be the laker version of Dame getting bullied lmao
Lakers are very blessed to have Austin. He’s an exceptional player who’s still flying under the radar. I hope he will play his entire career for the Lakers.
But they say the Lakers play drop coverage and auto screens on defense. What is AR doing fighting through screens and lock down defense. 💪