“Death Was Around the Corner”: Austin Reaves Recalls “Flu Game” During Lakers’ In-Season Tournament Final
Follow Us
Austin Reaves was in a feverish mess on the day of the In-Season tournament finals game. His body was wracked with chills and nausea, his teammates fretted, and even the most optimistic fans must have harbored doubts. But Reaves had other plans, and he put on a historic individual performance, something that’s synonymous with Michael Jordan’s “flu game” tale.
Reaves displayed a superstar-level prowess just like MJ did decades ago. However, the game wasn’t easy to play and recently Reaves revealed on ‘JJ Redick’ podcast what it was like to be on the court when he was under the weather.
Reaves recalls the flu game
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I was in bed from 10 to 2, feeling like death was around the corner,” confessed Austin Reaves. There was even a point when he thought he would not be able to play. But Reaves decided to push the illness to get through it all. Playing the game was a struggle. “Whole time before the game, catching the ball hurt, everything hurt,” he said.
Trending
Angel Reese Lures Michael Jordan to Do Something Which He has Never Done, Courtesy of Chicago Roots
May 06, 2024 07:43 AM EDT
Lakers News: Headache for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, as Ex-Coach Shuts Door on LA Return Following Ty Lue Decision
May 06, 2024 03:30 PM EDT
Days After $800K Loss, Bronny James Spotted at Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Me’arah’s 18th Birthday Bash
May 05, 2024 04:35 PM EDT
“You 7’4, I’m 6′10”: Dwight Howard Responds After Shaquille O’Neal Gets JJ Redick’s Verdict on Orlando Legacy
May 07, 2024 01:30 PM EDT
“It Was Embarrassing and It Was My Fault”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Lifelong Regret Still Haunts 7ft Giant to This Day
May 07, 2024 01:15 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, once the game started, he overcame his physical discomfort and delivered an outstanding performance. “And then got some activation. I was moving slow, felt slow, and then the game happened and I played well.”
Reaves scored 28 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and made 3 assists after playing for 28 minutes. He channelized Jordan and contributed to the Lakers’ early dominance in the game. Reaves scored 22 of his total points in the first half for an early lead.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
His flu game performance had LeBron James shout to the media, “Who had the better flu game? AR or MJ? It’s a debate!”. MJ’s iconic flu game dates back to the 1997 NBA finals against the Utah Jazz. He amassed 38 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. So clearly, it’s not up for debate who had the better game but Reaves outshined on probably the biggest game of his career, even during sickness.
“We Got to Focus On the Season”: Austin Reaves Urges the Lakers to Focus On Raising a Different Banner After In-Season Victory
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story–Angry LeBron James loses his temper against Nikola Jokic’s teammate as a fight breaks out while the Lakers face elimination in Game 4 vs the Nuggets
What do you think about Austin Reaves’ flu game performance? Let us know in the comments below!
Edited by:
Saumya Khanduja