Reaves Sinks Wolves with Clutch Buzzer-Beater

In a stunning finish, the Lakers escaped with a 116-115 victory over the Timberwolves on Thursday, thanks to a last-second shot from Austin Reaves. The win came in the second meeting between the two teams in less than a week. Minnesota found its rhythm early, getting hot from three-point range with Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, and Julius Randle all connecting. The pressure applied to Reaves seemed effective, as the Wolves held an early 34-32 lead. The second quarter was much sloppier, but a patient Reaves helped Los Angeles close the half on a 7-0 run to take a 58-62 lead into the locker room.

Lakers Fend Off Furious Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Minnesota’s lack of sharpness continued after halftime. Reaves remained in perfect control of the offense, while teammate Jake LaRavia exploded for 17 points in the third quarter alone. When the Lakers used a 12-0 run to extend their lead, the Wolves answered with an 8-0 run to stay within striking distance, trailing 86-97 heading into the final act. Chris Finch’s squad, largely listless for three quarters, mounted a shocking comeback late in the game. Down big, the Wolves ripped off a 7-0 run, and though Reaves answered with a three, the momentum had shifted. Jaden McDaniels scored five straight points to pull the Wolves within one. Julius Randle then hit what appeared to be the decisive go-ahead basket, capping a massive 14-2 run for Minnesota.

The Final Play

With the Lakers suddenly trailing, they had just six seconds left to win the game. The ball found its way to Austin Reaves, who drove the lane and pulled up from the free-throw line. His shot fell through the net as the buzzer sounded, securing the dramatic 116-115 California win.

Reaves and LaRavia Lead the Way

Despite the heroics, it wasn’t a high-scoring explosion for Reaves. He was clearly targeted by the defense and shot inefficiently, finishing with 28 points on 9-of-24 shooting (3-of-11 from deep). However, his clutch game-winner, combined with 16 assists against only three turnovers, highlighted a masterful complete game. Reaves continues to thrive in the absence of teammates LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He was supported by Jake LaRavia, who acted as the perfect lieutenant, scoring 27 points on a wildly efficient 10-of-11 shooting (5-of-6 from three), largely thanks to his third-quarter takeover.

Around the League: Jokic Makes History

Elsewhere in the NBA, Nikola Jokic cemented his status as the league’s “Mr. Triple-Double.” The Serbian star posted his fourth triple-double in as many games to start the season, tying an NBA record previously shared only by Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Jokic (21 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) led the Nuggets in a blowout win against the Pelicans, who looked lost despite the return of Zion Williamson. New Orleans suffered an offensive disaster, enduring a 24-0 run in the third quarter and shooting just 37.2% for the game.

Early Season Struggles and Tight Finishes

The loss drops the Pelicans to 0-4 on the season, while the Orlando Magic are struggling nearly as much at 1-4. Expected to be a dark horse in the East, the Magic confirmed their slow start by allowing 135 points in a 135-116 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Cade Cunningham was brilliant for Detroit (30 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks), leading the Pistons to a 3-2 record. In other high-scoring action, the Blazers held on for a 136-134 road win in Utah. The Jazz erased a 122-100 deficit in the fourth quarter, forcing Jrue Holiday (27 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds) to make decisive plays in the final seconds. Five Portland players scored over 17 points to withstand a 61-point combined effort from Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George. In Phoenix, Ja Morant was the hero, hitting the game-winner with 7.6 seconds left to give the Grizzlies their third win. Morant finished with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Mavericks Win, but Lose Anthony Davis

The Dallas Mavericks also survived a scare, winning by just two points at home against a heavily depleted Pacers team. The victory was bittersweet, however, as the Mavericks lost Anthony Davis in the first quarter to an apparent Achilles tendon injury, which had already made him questionable for the game. Dallas relied on the second double-double from Cooper Flagg (15 points, 10 rebounds) and an explosive 64 points from their bench, including 18 from Dwight Powell and 20 from Brandon Williams, to secure the win.