The Los Angeles Lakers continue to rely on Austin Reaves to start the NBA season.
The Los Angeles Lakers relied on the heroics of guard Austin Reaves en route to a thrilling win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-115, on the road at the Target Center on Wednesday evening (Thursday, Manila time).
Reaves drilled the game-winning shot at the horn to lift the Lakers when it mattered, even after missing what could’ve been a dagger earlier in the match when he missed a triple with 26 ticks left in the ball game.
This opened the door for a Julius Randle bucket that gave the home team the lead with 10 seconds remaining, 115-114.
Reaves’ winner capped off a night where he finished with a double-double of 28 points and 16 assists.
Meanwhile, surprise contributor Jake LaRavia had 27 points on 10-of-11 shooting along with eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
In the front court, Rui Hachimura and DeAndre Ayton connived with 17 markers each. The latter also had a double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds in the process.
The Lakers avoided a meltdown with Reaves’ heroics after previously leading by as much as 20 points in the ballgame.
Randle paced the Wolves in the losing effort with 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Jaden McDaniels added 30 markers to make up for the absence of Anthony Edwards who was inactive for the game.
The Lakers rise above .500 at 3-2 while the Wolves fall to 2-3.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.