It’s ultimately unclear as to whether or not Antonio Reeves sat down in front of candles and cake and made any requests ahead of his 24th birthday. Though, from an outsider’s perspective, a historic, career-high scoring performance in front of the NBA’s No. 1 team certainly seems like the type of thing a budding first-year talent might add to his wishlist. Grasping his opportunity nonetheless, the New Orleans Pelicans’ gifted No. 47 pick arrived to November 20, 2024’s stage both a year wiser, and prepared to introduce himself to the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, first through a well-timed backdoor cut against Donovan Mitchell. Presented, now, with a most-imposing obstacle in Evan Mobley’s 7-foot-4 wingspan awaiting his at-the-rim move, Reeves shields the ball with veteran-like intellect, working a double-clutch reverse over the rim’s opposite side for a dazzling finish. Victory wasn’t in the cards for Reeves’ Pelicans, but everything else was. Acknowledging the need to “show out” during his milestone day, the former Wildcat turned in 34 points (on 14-of-25 shooting) — 2024-25’s first second-rounder to do so — alongside five rebounds, three assists, and four 3-pointers. · Nov 21, 2024