Wednesday was a night to remember for Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers, who clinched a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a buzzer-beating floater. Despite Luka Doncic missing his third game and LeBron James still sidelined, Reaves stepped up in a big way to secure a 116-115 win, capping off a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Reaves, known for his recent high-scoring performances, added another memorable moment to his highlight reel. Though he struggled to find his rhythm against the Timberwolves, going 9-24 from the field and 3-11 from three, his game-winning shot reminded everyone why he's becoming a crucial player for the Lakers.
NBA royalty couldn't hold back their admiration for Reaves' heroics. LeBron James took to X (formerly Twitter) with an exuberant NSFW reaction, highlighting his excitement for the young guard's clutch performance. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic kept it simple yet impactful, using just a goat emoji to convey his respect for Reaves – a gesture that speaks volumes about his impressive play.
“A-MUTHAF**KIN-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!” James exclaimed, capturing the sentiments of many Lakers fans.
Those responses encapsulate the confidence Reaves has instilled in his team. Even without their star players, the Lakers avoided a collapse thanks to Reaves' leadership and poise.
Despite leading by as many as 20 points, the Lakers found themselves in a nail-biter as the Timberwolves made a strong comeback. Julius Randle's late-game layup gave Minnesota a brief edge, but an astute play call set the stage for Reaves' game-winning moment. With Rudy Gobert drawn away from the paint, Reaves seized the opportunity to secure the win.
This game not only showcased Reaves' ability to shine under pressure but also demonstrated the Lakers' resilience as they continue to battle through injuries. The night belonged to Reaves as he proved that the Lakers' hopes are in good hands, even without James and Doncic on the court.