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2 hours ago
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Austin Reaves delivered once again for the Los Angeles Lakers, knocking down a game-winning buzzer-beater to seal a 116–115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
The 27-year-old continues to elevate his play to another level — even surpassing his superstar teammates LeBron James and Luka Doncic in one key clutch metric. With his latest heroics, Reaves has now shot 7-for-9 (77.7%) on field-goal attempts in the final 24 seconds of games to tie or take the lead. Yes, you read that correctly — Austin Reaves has been the Lakers’ most reliable closer.
For comparison:
- LeBron James (as a Laker): 12-for-53 (22.6%)
- Luka Doncic (with L.A.): 0-for-2
Across the league, many have likened Reaves’ early-season surge to “Linsanity,” the 2012 phenomenon when undrafted guard Jeremy Lin took the NBA by storm with the New York Knicks. During that stretch, Lin averaged 25.0 points, 9.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals over a nine-game run. Through the Lakers’ first five games this season, Reaves is putting up an even more staggering line: 34.2 points, 10.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.
With LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and several other key players sidelined, head coach JJ Redick has relied on Reaves as both the primary scorer and playmaker. Despite the growing injury list — which includes at least five players — Reaves has embraced the spotlight, thriving under pressure and redefining what’s possible for this Lakers roster.
The Lakers, now 3–2, will look to keep their momentum rolling when they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, October 31st.
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