UPDATE: In a stunning finish, Austin Reaves hit a buzzer-beater floater, securing a 116-115 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. This latest triumph marks a remarkable continuation of Reaves’ breakthrough performance amid injuries to key players including Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Reaves, who recorded 28 points and 16 assists, capped off another extraordinary week that included a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and 41 points in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. His game-winning shot came with just 6.6 seconds left on the clock after he split a double team and navigated through a defensive setup that included All-Defensive talents Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
“That guy is going to show up in the big moments,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “I’m not surprised. He’s done that many times in his career.”
Reaves admitted to “blacking out” in the moment of his game-winner, sprinting down the court to celebrate with his ecstatic teammates. This victory is significant not only for the current season but also as a revenge against the Timberwolves, who eliminated the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs last spring.
The Lakers had been leading by as much as 20 points but faced a fierce comeback from Minnesota, who went on a 14-2 run in the final moments to take the lead. Reaves’ late-game heroics were crucial in stabilizing the team as they climbed to a record of 3-2 for the season.
“In those situations, you have to be calm, be confident and lead your guys,” Reaves reflected. “It’s hard to not kind of crumble in those situations, but you got to keep energy high.”
The Lakers executed a balanced offensive strategy, with four players scoring in double digits. Jake LaRavia led the charge with 27 points, showcasing the emerging depth of the team in the absence of several key players, including Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent.
“I’m so proud of this group right now,” Redick stated. “We’re starting to come together, and I’ve asked a lot of these guys while we’re undermanned, and they’re delivering.”
Reaves’ extraordinary run is not just a personal triumph; it symbolizes the unexpected resilience of a Lakers team that has faced significant challenges. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Reaves as he continues to lead the way, impressing fans and analysts alike.
With this thrilling win, the Lakers are set to carry this momentum into their next game, eager to build on their recent success. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
