Austin Reaves had all the fans buzzing on Friday night with a scintillating performance. His performance lifted the Los Angeles Lakers to a magical 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The five-year veteran recorded an impressive 28 points and matched his career high with 16 assists, culminating in a game-winning floater at the buzzer. This victory was crucial for the Lakers, enhancing their momentum as they seek to solidify their position in the league.
With just 6.6 seconds remaining on the clock, that pivotal moment came. It began with a baseline inbounds pass from the sideline near half court. Then the Timberwolves stormed back to end the game. They pulled off a stunning 14-2 rush over the last four minutes to take a slim lead with only 10.2 seconds to go. Even with a blitzing defense, Reaves was poised under fire. With a last-second shot, he clinched the victory and sent the Staples Center into a craze!
As the ball swished through the net, Reaves jumped in celebration. He ran full court toward the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench, telling ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that he “blacked out” in joy during that instant. His teammates erupted in celebration, mobbing him on the court, highlighting the camaraderie and unity that this team has cultivated throughout the season.
Reaves’ performance against Minnesota is atop a phenomenal three-game stretch. Just days before, he had recorded 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists in a dominant win against the Sacramento Kings. After that, he dropped 41 points on the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. This scoring spree has solidified Reaves even further as a key cog for the Lakers.
Not to be forgotten are Reaves’ individual accomplishments on the field. He impresses by setting up scoring chances for his teammates with pin-point ball placement. Four other Lakers assisted his 28-point performance in double digits, highlighting the balanced offensive effort. Jake LaRavia was the star of the night, with 27 points buoyed by a blistering 10-for-11 shooting performance. Deandre Ayton was fantastic, scoring 17 on 8-for-11 shooting. Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht made their impressions felt, with 17 and 15 points respectively.
That matchup against the Timberwolves was a testament to Reaves’ development as a basketball player and ability to perform in the biggest moments. It was his calm and collected demeanor in the clutch situations that ultimately delivered the win. It did further cement his reputation as a leader on the court. The Lakers are hungry to capitalize on their success. They are hellbent on chasing that elusive success down as they resume their campaign this year.
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