Lakers’ Austin Reaves Continues Stellar Play with Buzzer-Beater
– Austin Reaves is enjoying a remarkable stretch of games for the Los Angeles Lakers, culminating in a game-winning floater against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. The Lakers secured a 116-115 victory thanks to Reaves’ clutch performance.
Reaves finished the game with 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists. His winning shot came with 6.6 seconds remaining, a floater launched from 12 feet while navigating a double-team from Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, and avoiding a potential charge from Donte DiVincenzo. According to reports, Reaves “blacked out” after the shot fell, sprinting towards his teammates who mobbed him in celebration.
This latest heroics follow a recent run of exceptional scoring performances. Reaves previously scored a career-high 51 points with 11 rebounds and 9 assists in a win over the Sacramento Kings on , and followed that up with 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on .
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Reaves’ ability to deliver in crucial moments, stating, “That guy is going to show up in the big moments. I’m not surprised. He’s done that many times in his career.”
The Lakers have been navigating a challenging stretch with key players sidelined. Luka Doncic is currently dealing with a left lower leg contusion and a left finger sprain, while LeBron James is out due to sciatica. Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are also nursing injuries, leaving the Lakers without four of their primary ball-handlers.
Despite these absences, Reaves has stepped up significantly, demonstrating an ability to orchestrate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates. He spent the entirety of the game against the Timberwolves “flying around the court,” finding open teammates like DeAndre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht, even when facing defensive pressure.
The win over Minnesota underscores the Lakers’ continued competitiveness even in the absence of their stars. Observers believe Reaves’ current level of play keeps the Lakers firmly in contention, with championship aspirations remaining intact. As one report noted, with Reaves performing at this level, the Lakers remain a dangerous team.
Reaves’ performance is prompting comparisons to Lakers legends, with some suggesting he is forcing his way into conversations alongside names like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Shaq. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations is quickly establishing him as a key player for the Lakers.
