The Lakers chopped into a 21-point second-half deficit, but lost 132-126 to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Lakers starter Austin Reaves, left, poses for a photo with his brother Spencer, who is holding Austin’s jersey.
Spencer Reaves got behind the wheel of his white Dodge Challenger and made the drive from Warrensburg, Mo., to Wichita State’s campus in Kansas to watch hisSpencer’s season at the University of Central Missouri had ended two days before despite his 29 points in all 40 minutes against Central Oklahoma, so he had time for the 240-mile trip between the two campuses.played Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals in San Francisco, it was the last time Spencer had seen Austin play in person.
Friday, Spencer watched Austin play in Los Angeles, in front of the crowd that has serenaded him with “MVP” chants regularly through the season. Austin hit a half-court shot to end the second quarter, Spencer rising to his feet at his seat one row behind Jeanie Buss, the perfect angle to see it swish through the net.
“He’s always lived for these kinds of moments. Same in high school. Even if he wasn’t the go-to guy,” said Spencer, who won a state title with his then-freshman brother at Cedar Ridge High in Newark, Ark.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lakers vs. Nuggets: Why it's more than Anthony Davis vs. Nikola JokicThe L.A. Times' NBA crew breaks down what to expect when the Lakers play the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals, beginning Tuesday night.
Read more »
NBA playoffs: Can LeBron James, Anthony Davis slow Nikola Jokić, Nuggets' high-octane offense?
Read more »
Lakers fan elevates hair game with LeBron James image shaved on headThe intricate design was created by barber Miguel Rosas, who specializes in hair portraits of famous sports stars.
Read more »
Lakers' priority: Slow down Nikola Jokic to win Game 1 and grab control of seriesThe Lakers won playoff series vs. Grizzlies and Warriors by winning Game 1 on the road and controlling their superstars. Up next, Nikola Jokic and Denver.
Read more »