Austin Reaves Stuns Timberwolves with Buzzer-Beating Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves gave fans one of those unforgettable nights that remind everyone why basketball is pure drama. This one had everything — a massive comeback, clutch shots, and a stunning finish that once again had Austin Reaves’ name echoing through the arena.
It all went down on Wednesday night in Minnesota, where the Lakers, missing both LeBron James and Luka Dončić, nearly saw a 20-point lead slip right through their fingers. The Timberwolves, even without their own star Anthony Edwards, came roaring back in the second half. By the fourth quarter, the crowd at Target Center was on its feet, sensing an upset brewing.
Then came the moment that flipped everything. With just over 10 seconds left, Julius Randle’s slick finger roll gave Minnesota a 115-114 lead — their first of the half — and sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The Lakers called timeout. Everyone knew who would take the final shot.
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As play resumed, the ball found Austin Reaves near halfcourt. Calm and composed, he dribbled, split the defense, and pulled up for a floating jumper in the lane just before the buzzer. Swish. Game over. The Lakers won, 116-115, silencing the Timberwolves and setting off celebrations on the Lakers’ bench.
That shot wasn’t just a lucky break — it capped off another incredible performance by Reaves, who has quietly become the heartbeat of this short-handed Lakers squad. He finished with 28 points and a career-high 16 assists, carrying a depleted roster that dressed only 10 players. Over the past week, he’s been nothing short of sensational — dropping 51 points on Sunday and 43 on Monday — putting himself in elite company.
With this latest performance, Reaves joined Lakers legend Jerry West as the only players in franchise history to start a season with five consecutive games of at least 25 points and five assists. But here’s the kicker — no other Laker has ever averaged 30 points and 10 assists through the first five games of a season. Reaves is doing it.
When asked about his heroics afterward, Reaves stayed humble, saying, “I’m still not gonna talk about myself. I’m just having so much joy playing basketball.”
That joy is infectious — and it’s showing up in every play. The Lakers, despite being shorthanded, continue to find ways to win, largely because of Reaves’ steady leadership and fearless attitude. His buzzer-beater in Minnesota wasn’t just another game-winner — it was a statement that this team, even without its superstars, refuses to back down.
Austin Reaves has officially gone from an undrafted underdog to a bonafide closer — and the Lakers couldn’t have asked for better timing.
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