Luka Doncic had an offensive explosion against the New York Knicks and Austin Reaves had an explanation as to why.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a triumphant win over the New York Knicks on Saturday as their offense continues to reach new heights.
That offense has been driven in particular by Luka Doncic, who has showed no signs of slowing down at all this season and he delivers night after night with MVP-level production.
The NBA's leading scorer set the tone for the Lakers with 35 points while shooting 11-25 from the field along with eight rebounds and four assists.
Luka's Shot Experiments
Doncic's dominance is certainly not lost on his teammates. Austin Reaves said that it's obvious that Doncic is "playing some of the best basketball of his career" after the game, but Reaves also added another detail that could explain some of Doncic's shot selection during the game, which at times seemed unconventional, to say the least.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward Rui Hachimura (28) against the New York Knicks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images"He gets bored and tries stuff," Reaves said of Doncic's shot selection (via Spectrum SportsNet).
Throughout the game, Doncic was constantly attempting wilder and wilder shots, especially from three point range. At times he shot was falling away from the hoop, chucking up the ball on huge arcs that inevitably fell through the hoop for a score or banking shots off the glass from angles no one else would even consider.
Doncic seems spoiled with success in that way. He stands out as one of the best natural talents that the NBA has ever seen and he uses that talent to the full extent of his abilities.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward Rui Hachimura (28) against the New York Knicks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe Key to Luka's Success
He may take a high volume of shots per game, the second-most field goal attempts in the NBA behind Jaylen Brown, but Doncic's efficiency paired with that level of shot opportunities means that Doncic can easily rack up score after score, which is why he's averaging well over 30 points per game.
The Lakers have leaned heavily on the massive offensive potential that Doncic this season.
The way that he's been able to take over games has not only boosted the Lakers to playoff contention for the entirety of the season, it's also elevated the teammates around him, especially Reaves, who's been having his own offensive explosion sharing the back court with Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) as Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) collides with Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe job's not finished, though. The Lakers are still wrapped up in a playoff race and while it's looking like they'll at least be vying for a playoff spot, there's still work to be done before they can be true contenders.
Although, if Doncic is finding himself bored on the court, there's nothing like a playoff race to spice things up.