Comparing Austin Reaves and Gilbert Arenas Head to Head

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Austin Reaves vs Gilbert Arenas. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Austin Reaves takes 4 categories while Gilbert Arenas claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the G position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Gilbert Arenas's Steals Per Game of 1.6 compared to Austin Reaves's 0.8 represents a 100% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Gilbert Arenas's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Three Point %, where Austin Reaves posts 36.9% against Gilbert Arenas's 35.1% — a gap of just 5.1%. Gilbert Arenas can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Three Point % is the statistical ammunition for the Gilbert Arenas side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Austin Reaves — 4 categories to 3 — but Gilbert Arenas makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Gilbert Arenas has real statistical ammunition particularly in Three Point % where the gap narrows to just 5.1%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.