Austin Reaves’ Ice-Cold Buzzer-Beater Stuns Timberwolves as Lakers Snatch 116–115 Victory
In a heart-stopping finish at the Crypto.com Arena, Austin Reaves once again proved he’s built for the big moments.
The Los Angeles Lakers edged past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116 – 115, thanks to Reaves’ silky 12- bottom muumuu that dropped right before the buzzer on Wednesday night.
The shot, clean, confident, and cold, limited off an electric 28-point performance for Reaves, who also matched his career-high with 16 assists.
It wasn’t just the figures, however. It was the poise, the control, the sense that when the moment came, he’d be ready.
The Lakers had dominated much of the game, erecting a 20-point lead late in the third quarter. But in classic Timberwolves fashion, Minnesota roared back with a fiery 14 – 2 run in the ending twinkles.
AUSTIN REAVES WINS IT FOR THE LAKERS IN MINNESOTA pic.twitter.com/qftaDRTenE
— ESPN (@espn) October 30, 2025
Then, with just 10.2 seconds remaining, Julius Randle lifted the Wolves ahead with a slick finger roll.
Cue Reaves. As the final seconds drained, he calmly took the ball, weaved into the lane, and let fly. Swish. The crowd erupted. Game over.
Reaves wasn’t alone in his heroics. Jake LaRavia had a scorching night, pouring in 27 points on a nearly indefectible 10-for-11 shooting.
DeAndre Ayton added 17 points and seized 10 rebounds, steadying the Lakers on both ends of the bottom.
For the Timberwolves, Randle’s 33 points weren’t enough to seal the deal. Jaden McDaniels scored 30 points and seven boards, showing fortitude and hustle throughout.
What made this tourney interesting wasn’t just the finish; it was who wasn’t on the court. Both brigades were missing marquee names.
Luka Doncic and LeBron James sat out for the Lakers, while Minnesota was without Anthony Edwards, who kept spirits over from the bench with his usual badinage and cocky grin.
Yet the absence of stars didn’t dull the drama. Reaves, fresh off back-to-back monster games, scoring 51 against Sacramento and 41 versus Portland, continued to shine as the Lakers’ creative machine.
Despite being short-handed, Los Angeles looked sharp, leaning heavily on Reaves’ control in the pick-and-roll with Ayton and his knack for finding open shooters like LaRavia and Dalton Knecht, who contributed 15 points.
“Every possession counts,” Reaves said postgame. “We’ve got guys stepping up, playing unselfish basketball. That’s what this team’s about.”
The Lakers now head to Memphis on Friday, aiming to build momentum after a gritty, morale-boosting win. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will try to regroup as they travel to Charlotte on Saturday.
For the Lakers, it wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. A reminder that Austin Reaves, the undrafted guard turned rising star, isn’t just along for the ride. He’s driving it.
