Austin Reaves Sinks Buzzer-Beater for Lakers’ 116-115 Win

UPDATE: In a heart-stopping finish, Austin Reaves delivered a breathtaking buzzer-beater that propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 25, 2023. This thrilling win underscores Reaves’ incredible performance during a week where he has transformed into a key player for the Lakers amid injuries to superstars.

Reaves shone brightly, racking up 28 points and 16 assists in a game that kept the Lakers’ hopes alive. His game-winning shot came after a critical inbounds pass with just 6.6 seconds remaining, where he executed a remarkable floater from 12 feet, navigating past two top-tier defenders, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

The Lakers were on the verge of collapse as the Timberwolves surged with a 14-2 run in the final minutes, erasing a once-comfortable 20-point lead. Reaves, however, showcased his composure, stating, “You have to be calm, be confident and lead your guys through [it].” His last-second heroics not only secured the win but also avenged last season’s playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves.

Reaves’ performance comes during a pivotal stretch for the Lakers, who are currently without stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James due to injuries. Earlier this week, he recorded a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and followed it up with 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. His recent scoring explosion has led to a significant shift in momentum, pushing the Lakers to a record of 3-2.

“That guy is going to show up in the big moments,”

said Lakers coach JJ Redick. His faith in Reaves is echoed by teammates, with Jake LaRavia praising him as a “dog, leader, and competitor” who helps unite the team during tough times.

As the Lakers continue to navigate challenges with multiple injuries, Reaves’ leadership and scoring ability have become vital. Four other Lakers joined him in double-digit scoring, with LaRavia leading with 27 points on an impressive 10-for-11 shooting performance. The Lakers’ depth is proving crucial, with Reaves emphasizing, “We wouldn’t have been in that position [to win] if it wasn’t for everybody that chipped in tonight.”

Reaves reflects on his journey from an undrafted rookie in 2021 to a key player this season, trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in scoring after the first week of the NBA season. “I fell in love with the game because my brother loved it,” he shared. “It’s been a fun week. But there’s a lot of basketball to go.”

With this dramatic victory, the Lakers find themselves not just winning games but also building team spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. Fans can expect to see more of Reaves as he continues to emerge as a pivotal player for the franchise.