Austin Reaves Drains Buzzer-Beater as Short-Handed Lakers Edge Timberwolves 116-115
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The Los Angeles Lakers, playing with a depleted roster, escaped Target Center on Wednesday night with a 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to a last-second floater from guard Austin Reaves.
Head coach JJ Redick entered the game without injured stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, as well as Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent, leaving the backcourt rotation razor-thin. Despite the shortages, every Laker who saw the court contributed to improve the team’s record to 3-2.
Reaves Takes Over Late
Los Angeles built a 20-point cushion, but Minnesota erased the gap with a barrage of three-pointers. A late layup by Julius Randle put the Timberwolves ahead before Reaves split a double-team at the top of the key and lofted a floater over Donte DiVincenzo at the buzzer.
Reaves finished with 28 points and matched his career high with 16 assists, hitting several crucial baskets in the fourth quarter and repeatedly setting up teammates Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia for open looks.
LaRavia’s Breakout Performance
LaRavia provided a timely spark, scoring 27 points on 10-for-11 shooting. His only miss came from beyond the arc, and he added eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Road Trip Continues
The Lakers resume their trip on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies in their first Emirates NBA Cup group contest, then return to Crypto.com Arena on Sunday to face the Miami Heat.
Source: LakersNation.com
