Reaves Saves the Lakers with Game-Winning Shot in Minnesota
The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a dramatic win at the Target Center on Wednesday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling finish that came down to the final second. Despite blowing a 20-point second-half lead, Austin Reaves sank a fadeaway jumper over Rudy Gobert at the buzzer to seal the victory for Los Angeles.
The matchup, missing several key stars including LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards, turned into an unexpected showcase for the Lakers’ young core — led by Reaves, who once again proved he can deliver in the clutch.
Lakers Take Command Early, Lose Lead Late
The Lakers appeared in full control after a dominant third quarter that saw them go up by 20 points, thanks to a strong offensive stretch from Jake LaRavia, who poured in 27 points and fueled a decisive run. But momentum shifted quickly in the fourth as Julius Randle and Bones Hyland led a furious Timberwolves comeback, tying the game with just 10 seconds left.
Randle’s game-tying layup — completing Minnesota’s 20-point rally — set the stage for Reaves’ heroics. With the clock winding down, Reaves isolated against Gobert, drove into the lane, and drained a high-arching fadeaway jumper as time expired, silencing the home crowd and securing a hard-fought Lakers win.
Austin Reaves Continues Hot Streak
Reaves, who scored a career-high 51 points in his previous outing, showcased his all-around game once again. This time, he notched a career-high-tying 16 assists while adding 24 points, including the game-winner.
“He’s been our leader every night,” said head coach Darvin Ham. “Even when he’s not scoring 50, he’s creating plays, setting tempo, and making winning decisions.”
Without LeBron and Luka, the Lakers’ offense has run almost entirely through Reaves. His chemistry with LaRavia and Deandre Ayton (who added 12 points) continues to grow, helping Los Angeles stay competitive despite their injuries.
Timberwolves Fight Back Behind Randle and McDaniels
The Timberwolves, missing star guard Anthony Edwards due to a right hamstring strain, relied heavily on Julius Randle, who led all scorers with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including three three-pointers. Jaden McDaniels added 12 points in the first half and played a team-high 21 minutes, anchoring the Wolves’ defensive effort.
Randle, who has taken on a leadership role in Edwards’ absence, praised his team’s fight:
“We didn’t quit. We showed heart tonight, but we’ve got to close out games better,” Randle said postgame.
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves’ late rally showed their depth and resilience — though inconsistency remains a concern early in the season.
Injury Updates: LeBron, Luka, and Edwards Still Out
Both teams entered the game without key players.
- LeBron James continues to recover from sciatica, with an expected return in mid-November.
- Luka Doncic remains sidelined with finger and leg injuries, though the Lakers expect him back within the week.
- Anthony Edwards, the Wolves’ top scorer, is out for at least two more weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained last week against Indiana.
The Lakers are also missing Gabe Vincent (ankle sprain) and Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain), while Minnesota’s Jaylen Clark is listed as day-to-day with a calf issue.
Western Conference Standings and Early Season Outlook
The defending NBA champions have stormed into the new season with a perfect 5-0 start, reasserting their dominance atop the Western Conference. Meanwhile, both the Lakers and Timberwolves currently sit in Play-In Tournament positions, holding the 7th and 8th seeds, respectively.
Above them, early leaders include the Spurs, Warriors, Nuggets, Jazz, and Clippers. The Houston Rockets, expected to make a leap this year, have stumbled to a 1-2 start.
NBA Cup Tournament Set to Begin
The NBA’s Emirates Cup tournament is set to begin on October 31, featuring 30 teams divided into six groups of five. The event promises several marquee matchups:
- Lakers vs. Mavericks in Western Group B
- Nuggets vs. Warriors in Group C
- Heat vs. Knicks in Eastern Group C
These games will count toward both tournament standings and the regular-season record, adding a new layer of competition to the early season.
Looking Ahead
For the Lakers, the win over Minnesota provides a much-needed boost amid mounting injuries. Austin Reaves continues to emerge as the team’s anchor, proving capable of leading Los Angeles even in the absence of its superstars.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will aim to regroup as they await Edwards’ return. If Randle and McDaniels can maintain their current form, Minnesota should remain competitive in the playoff race.
The Lakers’ next game will see them return home to face the San Antonio Spurs, while the Timberwolves hit the road for a matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
