Austin Reaves’ dazzling performance was as fun to watch as it was unexpected. He lifted the Los Angeles Lakers to an inspiring 116-115 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the game on the line, Reaves took a floater that went in at the buzzer. His shot made his team win the championship! Notably, it was this triumph that put Reaves’ unbelievable creativity on international display. It showed the toughness of an uncharacteristic Lakers team that has fought through injuries to stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
The key moment came when Reaves received a full-court inbounds pass on the sidelines just past half-court. There were only 6.6 seconds remaining on the clock. He navigated through the Timberwolves’ defense and managed to score, tying a career-high with 16 assists while contributing 28 points to his team’s total. Reaves’ late-game heroics avenged a missed shot during last season’s playoffs that had haunted him.
In those recent games, Reaves has really asserted himself, especially with stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James missing time recently. His performances have been extraordinary, to say the least. Just a few days ago he did that, putting up 51 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists in a win against the Sacramento Kings. After that incredible showing, he put up 41 points on the Portland Trail Blazers.
Reaves made it a point to spread around his assists to the greatest number of teammates possible, showcasing his ability to lead and elevate those around him. Four other Lakers joined him in double-digit scoring: Jake LaRavia led with 27 points on an impressive 10-for-11 shooting, while Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura each added 17 points. Dalton Knecht came up big off the bench with 15 points of his own.
Sunday’s contest was not without its difficulties for the Lakers. What a comeback by the Timberwolves! They finished the game on a 14-2 run over the last four minutes and stole a one-point advantage with just over ten seconds to go. Though the Lakers faltered when it mattered most, they showed incredible poise, with Reaves’ quick decision and execution being the key to securing the win.
Thinking back on how well the team performed, a humble Reaves credited his fellow competitors for their help.
“We wouldn’t have been in that position [to win] if it wasn’t for everybody that chipped in tonight,” – Austin Reaves
Lakers’ head coach J.J. Redick expressed his pride in the team’s growth amidst adversity. He added, though, to see how far they’ve come from being chaotic just a few weeks ago.
“From where we were three weeks ago, where we’re discombobulated and guys are missing training camp and guys are modified participants, we’re starting to come together. And I’ve asked a lot. I’ve asked a lot of these guys and I’m asking a lot of them while we’re undermanned and they’re delivering,” – J.J. Redick
LaRavia commended Reaves for his strong leadership, considering these have been tough times for the Lakers. What impressed him most was Reaves’ leadership when the team faced adversity.
“He helps rally us together in all the tough times during a game. And he’s been leading us these last couple games that our players have been out and he’s going to keep on doing that,” – Jake LaRavia
With this victory, the Lakers record goes to 3-2, putting them above .500 for the first time this season. Reaves’ ability to maintain focus in high-pressure situations has proven invaluable to the team’s success.
“Everybody is looking at me, and in those situations, you have to be calm, be confident and lead your guys through [it],” – Austin Reaves
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