Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves sank a game-winning 12ft buzzer-beater to propel the team past the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling 116-115 win.
Reaves had an impressive night, finishing with 28 points and 16 assists as Los Angeles navigated a challenging evening without several key players. The team was playing shorthanded due to injuries to stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but Reaves' clutch shooting kept the Lakers in the game.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were led by Julius Randle's 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 30 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including three three-pointers.
However, it was Reaves who stole the show with his thrilling buzzer-beater. The Lakers fed LaRavia an inbounds pass from just inside half-court with 6.6 seconds remaining, and LaRavia's pass found Reaves as he drove towards the paint and lifted for a jump shot from inside the free-throw line.
The crowd erupted as the ball went through the net, securing the win for Los Angeles. For Reaves, it was a moment of redemption after missing a similar shot in the playoffs last spring that would have tied the game but ultimately fell short.
Reaves' teammates swarmed him in celebration, praising his poise and confidence under pressure. "We kept hooping, and they kept encouraging me to go do what I do," he said. The Lakers held on for the win despite playing without several key players, thanks largely to Reaves' clutch shooting and the team's collective determination.
Reaves had an impressive night, finishing with 28 points and 16 assists as Los Angeles navigated a challenging evening without several key players. The team was playing shorthanded due to injuries to stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but Reaves' clutch shooting kept the Lakers in the game.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were led by Julius Randle's 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 30 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including three three-pointers.
However, it was Reaves who stole the show with his thrilling buzzer-beater. The Lakers fed LaRavia an inbounds pass from just inside half-court with 6.6 seconds remaining, and LaRavia's pass found Reaves as he drove towards the paint and lifted for a jump shot from inside the free-throw line.
The crowd erupted as the ball went through the net, securing the win for Los Angeles. For Reaves, it was a moment of redemption after missing a similar shot in the playoffs last spring that would have tied the game but ultimately fell short.
Reaves' teammates swarmed him in celebration, praising his poise and confidence under pressure. "We kept hooping, and they kept encouraging me to go do what I do," he said. The Lakers held on for the win despite playing without several key players, thanks largely to Reaves' clutch shooting and the team's collective determination.
I mean, can you imagine missing that same shot in the playoffs last spring and now he's like "Oh yeah, I got this"? 
His buzzer-beater was so clutch it made me wanna jump out of my seat (if I had one, lol) and scream at the top of my lungs! 
The Lakers' players are right, Reaves just kept on shooting like he did, no biggie... except for us netizens who are still hyped about it 24/7 
Austin Reaves is a whole different player when it comes down to crunch time 
. That buzzer-beater was insane 
, and I'm still in awe of how he managed to sink that shot with such ease. The Lakers were supposed to be struggling without their stars, but Reaves proved that they've got enough depth and talent to overcome those injuries 
️. And let's be real, it's not like the Timberwolves were exactly looking vulnerable themselves 
. Still, props to Reaves for stepping up and delivering when it mattered most 
.
and then you miss a similar shot in the playoffs last spring and it's like, what if? 
anyway, this buzzer-beater was EVERYTHING 
28 points per game and 9 assists average is insane for a combo guard! 
and that buzzer-beater? chills 
it's clear they trust each other to come through in the clutch. anyway, what a game! Lakers win is always exciting 
. i mean lazarguia's pass to him from way deep in the court with like 6 seconds left was clutch. and now reaves gets his redemption shot after missing that game-winner last season 
. his teammates were so hyped for him, i'm feeling it too! 
we need more players like this in nba who can perform under pressure 
12ft from the hoop and still made it in! 
I was on the edge of my seat when I saw him lift off for that shot, I thought for sure he was gonna miss 
. But NOPE! He nailed it and the whole arena just ERUPTED 
. Reaves' performance was INSANE, 28 points and 16 assists?!?!? 
He had 28 points and 16 assists, talk about a masterclass performance! 
I'm not surprised tho, he's been on fire all season. The Lakers were down without LeBron & Luka, but Reaves kept them in the game with his clutch shooting 
btw whats up with all those injuries to lebron and luka? are they really that bad? 
. and Julius Randle was on fire too 
...
! He came through with that insane buzzer-beater and saved the Lakers from a tough night 
, but Reaves' clutch gene is real 
. His teammates were super supportive and encouraged him to take those shots 
. The Lakers held it down despite the injuries, and that win is a testament to their team spirit 
. I'm loving this comeback story for Reaves, he's definitely got some serious skills 
. and can you imagine being on the court when LaRavia makes that pass? mind blown 
. And let's be real, it was Reaves' shot that sealed the deal 
. He redeemed himself after missing a similar shot last spring and proved that he's more than just a role player