The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, but the win was overshadowed by a worrying moment involving Austin Reaves. During a fourth-quarter sequence, Reaves sustained a wrist injury after contesting a shot by Zion Williamson. Despite the incident, Reaves managed to return to the game and finish strong, providing relief to Lakers fans concerned about the extent of the injury.
Earlier in the game, Reaves showed caution when facing Williamson’s powerful drives, even stepping away to avoid taking a charge. After the wrist injury, he briefly held his wrist in pain and the Lakers called a timeout. He soon returned to the court and completed the match. When addressing reporters postgame, Reaves clarified the situation, downplaying injury fears by explaining the discomfort stemmed from hitting his “funny bone.”
“I think I just hit my funny bone. Whole hand went numb, called timeout kind of went away. Wanted to play” Austin Reaves, Lakers guard
Reaves contributed 15 points on 4-for-15 shooting, along with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks, playing a key role in the Lakers’ well-fought win.
Reaves’ Cautious Encounter with Zion Williamson
The initial wrist injury appeared serious as Reaves was among the few players who successfully blocked Williamson during the encounter. After the timeout that followed the injury, Reaves continued to participate effectively in the game. His injury moment aside, the game featured a tense sequence earlier when Reaves was set to defend aggressively against Williamson’s first-quarter drive.
Williamson, a 284-pound forward, surged toward the basket, prompting Reaves, who weighs 197 pounds, to prepare for a charge. However, Reaves quickly reassessed and stepped aside, allowing Williamson an easy layup instead of risking an injury from contact with the dominant Pelicans star.
Reaves admitted his hesitation, expressing the fear he felt facing the imposing forward:
“Don’t be scared to get out of the way. I was terrified. There was no way in hell I was taking a charge. He was running too fast. I just kind of slid out the way, let him have a layup.” Austin Reaves, Lakers guard
Despite concerns about Williamson’s availability after missing the previous game due to an ankle injury, he returned to contribute 24 points and four rebounds. Reaves, along with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Jaxson Hayes, collectively blocked Williamson four times, all happening in the crucial fourth quarter.
Lakers Extend Win Streak Amidst Key March Matchups
Securing their third consecutive win after a losing streak of three games, the Lakers showed resilience in battling the Pelicans. The team’s strong fourth-quarter performance highlighted their potential as they enter a critical phase of the season. Yet, the path forward remains uncertain as consistency is essential during this playoff push.
After the game, Luka Doncic reflected on the team’s momentum, acknowledging the challenge ahead:
“It could be the perfect time, or not,”
“We need to go game by game first of all, and just try to win all those games.” Luka Doncic, Lakers forward
Los Angeles now faces significant contests against the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. These games will play a vital role in their standings, especially considering that with 21 regular-season games remaining, their position in the Western Conference is precarious.
Currently holding a 37-24 record and ranked sixth in the West, the Lakers could either climb to the third seed or fall into the Play-In Tournament depending on upcoming performances. Success throughout March is critical to securing a favorable playoff position and avoiding further late-season turmoil.
Austin Reaves is grabbing his right hand/wrist after stripping Zion Williamson. In real pain. Lakers had to take a timeout.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) March 4, 2026
Austin after hurting his hand:
"I think I just hit my funny bone. Whole hand went numb, called timeout kind of went away. Wanted to play" https://t.co/juC1dufYBc pic.twitter.com/04RKtnKoyC
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 4, 2026
Austin Reaves blocks Zion Williamson and gets injured on injured on his right arm, as it feels numb (with replays)
He returned to the game after the timeout pic.twitter.com/diIBDq5utu
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 4, 2026
Austin Reaves sur ce qu’il faut faire en défense face à Zion Williamson 😂
« Faut pas avoir peur de t’écarter. Moi, j’étais terrorisé. Hors de question que je prenne un passage en force. Il arrivait beaucoup trop vite. J’étais terrifié, donc je me suis juste décalé sur le côté… pic.twitter.com/jgRimBtFQQ
— Basket-Infos (@Basket_Infos) March 4, 2026
Austin on going against Zion:
"Don't be scared to get out of the way. I was terrified. There was no way in hell I was taking a charge. He was running too fast. I just kind of slid out the way let him have a layup" 😂 pic.twitter.com/Ll8LAG1D36
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 4, 2026
“It could be the perfect time, or not” – Luka Doncic on the Lakers, riding a three-game win streak, heading into a stretch with six of their next eight games against a team with a better record than them pic.twitter.com/HT3ZQeKy9K
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 4, 2026
