Austin Reaves delivered a masterful performance on Wednesday, scoring 28 points and dishing out 16 assists while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a thrilling 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers remain shorthanded, missing stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James due to injuries, but Reaves has stepped up as the team’s go-to scorer and playmaker.

His buzzer-beating floater came in the game’s final seconds after brilliantly splitting a double team and navigating traffic to avoid a charge from Donte DiVincenzo. The play epitomized Reaves’ calm leadership and clutch ability in high-pressure moments.​

Clutch Heroics Extend Dream Week

This game-winning shot capped off an extraordinary week for Reaves, who previously scored a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and followed that with 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lakers coach JJ Redick lauded Reaves for consistently showing up in key moments, praising his poise and competitive spirit. Reaves himself acknowledged the pressure of maintaining composure as the Wolves erased a 20-point second-half Lakers lead and surged late with a 14-2 run.

His calm presence kept the Lakers ahead and set up the victorious final possession.​

Supporting Cast Steps Up Behind Reaves

Reaves was not alone in carrying the Lakers as four teammates scored double-digit points. Jake LaRavia stood out with 27 points on near-perfect shooting, while Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura both contributed 17 points each.

The Lakers’ bench also weighed in, notably Dalton Knecht’s 15 points. The collective effort helped compensate for multiple absences including Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent. The Lakers, now 3-2 on the season, have been invigorated by Reaves’ emergence as a leader and offensive force.

His rise from undrafted rookie to seasonal star is inspiring teammates and fans alike as the Lakers navigate adversity with grit and confidence.