Moments before the Los Angeles Lakers showdown against the Indiana Pacers in the inaugural In-Season Tournament Final, Flu Game Comparison a report surfaced via The Athletic’s Shams Charania: Austin Reaves, a standout player for the Lakers, was battling a non-COVID-related illness. Given the anticipated fast-paced contest against the Pacers, Reaves’ performance held crucial significance for the Lakers’ offensive prowess.
Remarkably, Reaves rose to the occasion, culminating in a remarkable final performance where he amassed 28 points on a 9-of-15 shooting spree. Despite Anthony Davis’s standout 41-20-5-4 performance, Reaves’ contributions proved instrumental in securing the Lakers’ victory and clinching the inaugural NBA Cup, earning him recognition from none other than LeBron James.
Expressing his admiration, James likened Reaves’ performance to one of the NBA’s iconic individual games, posing a comparison between Reaves’ showing and the renowned “Flu Game” of Michael Jordan. “Who had the better flu game: AR or MJ?” James playfully shouted at Reaves, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, sparking debate over their respective performances. However, while the comparison was made in good humor, Jordan’s historic performance in the 1997 NBA Finals holds a distinct edge over Reaves’ exceptional display, outscoring him 38 to 28 while dominating in various statistical categories.
The context of Jordan’s Flu Game, set in the NBA Finals, differs significantly from Reaves’ pivotal role in the In-Season Tournament Final. Although Reaves showcased a remarkable performance, the distinction between the significance of the games is evident, shaping perceptions around their respective achievements.
While Reaves may not lay claim to the title of the greatest Flu Game in NBA history, his standout performance secured the Lakers’ victory, earning him not only a consolation prize of $500,000 and an In-Season Tournament medal but also a unique distinction—something even Jordan himself never achieved in the NBA.
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