Austin Reaves Hits Buzzer-Beater, Lifts Lakers Over Wolves 116-115

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Austin Reaves hit a buzzer-beater floater to secure a 116-115 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 15, 2025. Reaves’ incredible performance capped off a night where he contributed 28 points and 16 assists, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the NBA.

This latest triumph follows a remarkable week for Reaves, who previously scored a career-high 51 points with 11 rebounds and 9 assists against the Sacramento Kings, and 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers, currently navigating injuries to key players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, have found a beacon of hope in Reaves’ performances.

With just 6.6 seconds remaining in the game, Reaves executed a stunning play, splitting a double team from All-Defensive players Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. He drove into the lane, releasing a floater from 12 feet while twisting to avoid a collision with Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, who was attempting to draw a charge.

“I blacked out after the ball fell through the net,” Reaves said, recalling the moment. “It felt great to win this one, especially after last time here in the playoffs.”

The game was a nail-biter, as the Timberwolves mounted a 14-2 run in the final minutes, erasing a 20-point lead the Lakers held earlier in the game. Reaves’ late-game heroics were crucial, saving the Lakers from what could have been a devastating loss after they fell behind with 10.2 seconds left.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Reaves’ ability to shine under pressure, stating, “That guy is going to show up in the big moments. I’m not surprised. He’s done that many times in his career.”

Reaves’ performance not only lifted the Lakers to a 3-2 record for the season but also brought a sense of unity among the team, especially with several players sidelined, including Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent.

“I’m so proud of this group right now,” Redick added. “We’re starting to come together, and they’re delivering.”

Reaves’ assists were spread among teammates, with Jake LaRavia scoring 27 points on remarkable shooting. LaRavia, who joined the Lakers this offseason partly due to his relationship with Reaves, acknowledged his teammate’s leadership during these challenging times.

“He’s a dog, he’s a leader, he’s a competitor,” LaRavia said. “He rallies us together in tough moments.”

Reaves also reflected on his journey, having entered the league undrafted in 2021. Now, just four years later, he finds himself among the top scorers in the league, trailing only MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

As the Lakers look to build on this momentum, fans are eager to see how Reaves continues to lead the team through adversity, proving that he is more than just a rising star—he is a pivotal player in their quest for success this season.