Austin Reaves’ Buzzer-Beater Lifts Short-Handed Lakers Over Timberwolves
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MINNEAPOLIS – Oct. 29, 2025 – Austin Reaves banked in a running floater as time expired, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a 116-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
The undrafted guard finished with 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists, leading a roster missing LeBron James and Luka Doncic to its second victory in three games. Los Angeles had led by as many as 20 before Minnesota surged ahead late.
“Everybody is looking at me, and in those situations you have to be calm, be confident and lead your guys,” Reaves said after the game. “We were up by 10 late and they went on a run. You’ve got to keep the energy high.”
Redemption in the Same Building
The moment erased a painful memory for Reaves. In Game 4 of last season’s first-round series at the same arena, he missed a corner three that would have forced overtime. Minnesota won that game and clinched the series in five.
“Last time we were in this building I had the shot to tie it and missed,” he said. “That feeling sucks. Tonight felt good—for obvious reasons.”
Fast Start to Fifth Season
Reaves, now in his fifth NBA season, opened the schedule with a career-best 51 points, followed by 41 in the next outing. With James and Doncic sidelined, he has assumed first-option duties for a team aiming to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
League-Wide Reaction
Reaves’ winner drew quick praise on social media from current and former Lakers, including James, Doncic, Jarred Vanderbilt, Pau Gasol, Magic Johnson, Alex Caruso and Josh Hart.
Los Angeles continues its road trip Friday when it visits the Denver Nuggets.
Source: Lakers Nation
