Austin Reaves Hits Buzzer-Beater, Lakers Edge Timberwolves 116-115

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Austin Reaves delivered a stunning buzzer-beater, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18, 2023. This remarkable performance capped off a night where Reaves recorded 28 points and 16 assists, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

As the Lakers battle through injuries to key players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who are sidelined with injuries, Reaves has stepped up in a major way. His latest feat follows a week of extraordinary performances, including a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The game-winning shot came with just 6.6 seconds remaining. After receiving an inbounds pass near center court, Reaves split a double team featuring All-Defensive players Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, driving into the lane and executing a floater from 12 feet while narrowly avoiding a charge from Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo.

“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 expressed the thrill of the moment, stating he “blacked out” after making the shot and was quickly surrounded by his ecstatic teammates. The Lakers had previously led by as much as 20 points in the second half, but the Timberwolves mounted a comeback, taking the lead with 10.2 seconds left on a driving score by Julius Randle.

“You have to be calm, be confident and lead your guys through [it],” Reaves said. “It’s hard to not kind of crumble in those situations. But you got to keep energy high, you got to keep the spirit high.”

With this win, the Lakers improved to 3-2 for the season, overcoming a series of injuries that also sidelined Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Adou Thiero. Redick praised the team’s resilience, noting their growth from earlier struggles.

Reaves’ assists were pivotal, with four other Lakers scoring in double digits, including Jake LaRavia with 27 points on 10-for-11 shooting. LaRavia, who joined the Lakers this offseason partly due to his friendship with Reaves, acknowledged Reaves’ leadership during this challenging time.

“He’s a dog, he’s a leader, he’s a competitor,”

LaRavia said. “He helps rally us together in all the tough times during a game.”

Reaves, who entered the league undrafted in 2021, is now among the top scorers of the season, showing remarkable growth in his game. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “I fell in love with the game… It was kind of meant to be.”

As the Lakers look to build on this momentum, fans are left eager to see what Reaves will do next. With a blend of grit and determination, he has not only lifted the Lakers during adversity but also captured the attention and admiration of the basketball world.