The Philadelphia 76ers absolutely mauled the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night to the tune of a 138-94 beatdown, clearly dominating the Western Conference powerhouse from start to finish behind the heroics of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and some surprise contributors off the bench for the team’s 12th victory of the season.
One of those unprecedented standout showings came from Patrick Beverley, who managed to put a damper on his season-long shooting slump. After shooting just 13.6 percent from rainbow country to begin the campaign, the veteran guard rattled off four triples off eight tries to finish the night with a season-high 12 points in addition to six boards and three assists.
Be that as it may, it was going to be a successful night for Beverley irrespective of his offensive output, as he was definitely in his element on the defensive end, slowing down the Lakers perimeter cogs all night long especially Austin Reaves, who missed six of his 10 shots but more importantly, he struggled as a lead guard and could not get his mojo as a table-setter for LA.
76ers guard Patrick Beverley vows to make life hell for Austin Reaves
Beverley and Reaves had a brief kerfuffle after the former cajoled the latter into a turnover, which made for a defensive highlight that encapsulated the Lakers’ putrid night. Turns out, that was Beverley’s overdue revenge after Reaves hit him with the “too small” gesture when he scored over him when he was with the Bulls last season. After the game, Reaves pointed out that he wasn’t surprised about Beverley going after him defensively.
However, it definitely appears that Beverley is far from satisfied, as he sent a strong warning to the third-year guard in the latest episode of the Pat Bev Pod.
"How dare you come in Chicago, in my hood, and hit me with the too little; and don’t think that I’m gonna come for your neck?Patrick Beverley, Pat Bev Pod
Every time I see the Lakers until I retire—whatever team Austin Reaves is on—I’m on his ass. Because of [the taunt last season]."
Beverley reiterated that it’s still all business with Reaves despite what he said, but 76ers fans should probably not worry too much on a breakaout game from the youngster for as long as the vet’s around. He has too much pride and personal angst to let that happen.