Austin Reaves Hits Game-Winning Buzzer Beater as Lakers Edge Timberwolves 116-115 in Thrilling Finish:

Austin Reaves delivered a clutch moment that Los Angeles Lakers fans won’t soon forget. With time expiring, Reaves sank a driving jump shot at the buzzer to lift the short-handed Lakers to a dramatic 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Reaves was electric all evening, finishing with 28 points and 16 assists, guiding a Lakers team missing several key players—including stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic—to an impressive road win. The victory marked one of the Lakers’ most resilient performances of the season. “We just kept believing,” Reaves said afterward. “To have that opportunity for a big road win, especially with a lot of people out, is special.” The game-winner came on a perfectly executed play. With 6.6 seconds left on the clock and the Lakers down by one, Jake LaRavia inbounded the ball to Reaves just past half-court. Guarded tightly by Jaden McDaniels, Reaves dribbled to his right, maneuvered between McDaniels and Rudy Gobert, and pulled up inside the free-throw line. His jumper swished through as the buzzer sounded, sending the Lakers bench into a frenzy. It was a moment of redemption for Reaves, who had missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer in the same building during last year’s first-round playoff series—one that saw the Timberwolves eliminate Los Angeles in Game 5. “They kept encouraging me to do what I do,” Reaves said with a smile. LaRavia added an efficient 27 points on 10-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, giving Los Angeles a much-needed offensive boost. Despite missing several regulars, the Lakers’ balanced effort was enough to overcome a late Timberwolves rally. Timberwolves’ Late Surge Falls Short Minnesota nearly pulled off an incredible comeback in the final minutes. Trailing 114-106 with 2:30 left, the Timberwolves went on a 9-0 run to seize a one-point lead. Julius Randle, who led Minnesota with 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists, capped the surge with a go-ahead basket with just 10.2 seconds remaining. McDaniels added 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep, playing a major role in the Timberwolves’ rally. But Reaves’ heroics spoiled what could have been a statement win for Minnesota. Injuries Continue to Test Both Teams The Lakers’ victory was even more impressive given their extensive injury list. Along with James (sciatica) and Doncic (left finger sprain, lower left leg contusion), Marcus Smart (right quad contusion), Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain), and Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) were all sidelined. Jaxson Hayes returned from a knee injury, contributing two points, two rebounds, and three assists in limited minutes. For Minnesota, the absence of Anthony Edwards loomed large. The Timberwolves’ top scorer missed his second straight game due to right hamstring tightness and is expected to be out for about two weeks. Jaylen Clark also remained sidelined with a left calf strain. The Lakers led 62-58 at halftime and showed poise down the stretch despite the Timberwolves’ late push. With this buzzer-beating win, the Lakers (record pending) earned a crucial morale boost and demonstrated that even without their superstars, they can find ways to win. For Austin Reaves, the game-winner was more than just two points—it was redemption, resilience, and a reminder of his growing role as a leader for Los Angeles.

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