Los Angeles Lakers wing Wesley Matthews put up one of his best performances of the season on Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 26 minutes, Matthews had 16 points and two steals on 5-of-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from deep.
He was key in the Lakers securing overtime win without Anthony Davis and Alex Caruso in action. What made his night even more impressive is the narrative behind it.
Matthews, after being a part of the Lakers rotation through the first segment of the season, was benched in favor of a nine-man lineup that more prominently featured Talen Horton-Tucker.