Austin Reaves hit a dramatic buzzer-beating floater to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, delivering a clutch performance that underscored his rising leadership role amid key player absences. The game-winning shot capped a 28-point, 16-assist night for Reaves, who has been on a scoring tear in recent games, and saved the Lakers from a late collapse after the Timberwolves erased a 20-point second-half lead.
With 6.6 seconds remaining and the game tied, Reaves received an inbounds pass near center court and immediately navigated a double team from defensive stalwarts Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Driving into the lane, he lofted a 12-foot floater over Donte DiVincenzo as time expired, sending the Lakers’ bench into a frenzy. Reaves later admitted he ‘blacked out’ after the ball went in, sprinting to celebrate with teammates who mobbed him in euphoric relief.
The victory was particularly sweet for Reaves, who recalled missing a potential tying three-pointer in the same building during last season’s playoffs when the Timberwolves eliminated the Lakers. This time, his heroics secured a win that improved Los Angeles to 3-2 on the young season, providing a morale boost as the team copes with injuries to stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Reaves’ floater came just moments after Julius Randle had given Minnesota a brief lead with a driving score, capping a 14-2 run that nearly stole the game.
Reaves’ performance extended a remarkable week that included a career-high 51 points against Sacramento and 41 points against Portland, establishing him as the Lakers’ primary offensive engine in Dončić’s and James’ absence. His 16 assists tied a career high, facilitating a balanced attack where four other Lakers scored in double figures. Jake LaRavia led the supporting cast with 27 points on efficient 10-of-11 shooting, while Deandre Ayton added 17 points and 10 rebounds in a strong outing against Gobert.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Reaves’ composure and leadership, noting that his decision to run directly to teammates after the game-winner exemplified the team’s growing camaraderie. ‘He’s established himself as a bad dude,’ Redick said, emphasizing Reaves’ evolution into a central figure who rallies the team during tough moments. Teammates echoed this sentiment, with LaRavia highlighting how Reaves’ encouragement after a poor previous game helped him bounce back emphatically.
The win showcased the Lakers’ resilience despite being short-handed, as they played with only eight available rostered players. Reaves’ distribution and scoring have kept the offense afloat, with his total points through Wednesday trailing only reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander league-wide. His undrafted origins and rapid ascent add a storybook element to his emergence, reinforcing his value as the Lakers navigate early-season challenges.
Looking ahead, the Lakers anticipate reinforcements with Dončić expected back soon and James targeting a return in November, but Reaves’ recent play has solidified his role as a cornerstone. The victory not only avenged last season’s playoff disappointment but also demonstrated the team’s depth and fight, setting a positive tone for the grueling schedule ahead. As Reaves humbly deflected praise onto his teammates, the moment underscored a collective effort that could propel Los Angeles into contention once fully healthy.