Lakers’ Austin Reaves drains game-winner vs T’Wolves
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Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves put together another magic moment to start the 2025-26 season on Wednesday night — this time at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With just over 6 seconds left in the game, Reaves took the pass from near half court. He threw a pick, crossed the street, and moved toward the lane. He got to the foul line and put down a floater. The ball hit the net at the sound of the match buzzer.
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) celebrates with teammates after making the game-winning shot at the buzzer during an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Los Angeles secured the 116-115 victory after Reaves’ Lakers teammates attacked him. He finished the match with 28 points and 16 assists.
Reaves admitted after the game that he “probably fainted a little bit” as he watched the ball pass towards the goal and the joy he felt afterwards.
“I don’t know what level he’s at. I don’t care about that, but I think he proved himself to be a bad guy last year,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “That’s it.”
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Los Angeles Lakers center Austin Reaves shoots for the game-winning shot at the buzzer during an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
It’s a big win for the injury-plagued Lakers, as they’re betting big on Reaves, who suddenly seems to be making his mark in the NBA. He was an undrafted free agent who joined the Lakers in 2021. He signed a four-year contract ahead of the 2023-24 season and is making approximately $14 million this season.
However, the team relied heavily on him this season as they were without LeBron James and now Luka Doncic.
Reaves scored 51 points against the Sacramento Kings and 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team improved to 3-2 with a last-minute goal against Minnesota.
“The important thing is that he has proven himself as a leader,” Redick said. “This is big time. This is what we need from him.”
Reaves expressed how big the victory was, especially that he had the opportunity to extend the match after the defeat in the play-off series last season.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) walks past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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“It’s special to have the opportunity to get a big win, especially on a road with a lot of people out there,” he said. “We kept playing hop and they kept encouraging me to do what I was doing.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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