Clutch Austin Reaves, opens up about his big shot with Team USA vs. Montenegro

Another Team USA game at FIBA World Cup, another key performance by Austin Reaves, this time, the Lakers guard impressed with a clutch play that helped the United States to secure the win in the first game of the second round.

Reaves continued his stellar play with Team USA on Friday by hitting a critical 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter to help the squad defeat the underdog Montenegro 85-73.

The game was tighter than expected, with the American leading just by four points at 72-68 in the fourth quarter, thanks to Reaves, Team USA extended the lead to 75-68 with his shot at 2:44 remaining in the clock.

Reaves opened up about his shot in the post-game interview he said: “It’s one of those plays if it goes in, I look good, if it doesn’t, everybody’s looking at me sideways. It’s basketball, and anybody on our team expects me to take and make that shot. … It was a good feeling.”

Austin Reaves continues to be one of the best on the team

The 25-year-old later made two free throws and finished the game with 12 points, second on the US team behind Anthony Edwards’ 17 points. Team USA trailed Montenegro, a 26.5-point underdog, by one point at halftime (39-38). Reaves played just under 25 minutes off the bench and made nine of 11 free-throw attempts. The 3-pointer was his only field goal in two attempts.