Matisse Thybulle admits it is extremely difficult to defend Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic
· Yahoo Sports
Matisse Thybulle admits it is extremely difficult to defend Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Throughout his basketball career, Matisse Thybulle has been tasked with defending the best offensive players. Now that he is with the Los Angeles Lakers, that will remain his role, but it seems his role behind the scenes is pretty important, too.
Visit newssport.cv for more information.
During training camp, he has been guarding Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Those two are the Lakers' best players, so Thybulle has had a hard time playing against them during team practices.
Matisse Thybulle is facing a challenge against Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic
In his career, Thybulle has been teammates with plenty of elite players. During his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, he constantly defended against Damian Lillard during practices.
Now, he is playing against two elite guards in Doncic and Reaves almost every day. That is a tough job, especially since these two are extremely talented, so defenders can have a hard time.
MORE: Rob Pelinka loves what he has seen from the Lakers' trio
In turn, Thybulle is probably also improving as a defender because of it. He can pick up tricks that he can use against other talented players. It is challenging, of course, but it seems Thybulle can see the benefits.
"You have to work so hard! They're so talented, and for me, it's great. Getting to play against two of the best offensive players in the NBA every day. It just primes all of us for what to expect," Thybulle said about the impact of defending against Doncic and Reaves in practice.
Moving forward, it seems that Thybulle and the rest of the Lakers players will be much better defensively. Playing against Doncic and Reaves is also tough, but they help sharpen the Lakers' defense as well.
More NBA news:
- Trade rumors for Bronny James are picking up steam during training camp
- Luka Doncic is feeling some pressure to win a championship now
- Dalton Knecht gets a bad update about his future with the Lakers
- JJ Redick felt that he was pretending to be a coach in the past two seasons
- Walker Kessler admits that the Lakers' defense is much better now