Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Timberwolves vs Lakers: Three Key Takeaways as Austin Reaves Spoils Minnesota Timberwolves’ 20-Point Comeback in Final Seconds

The Lakers are 3-2 and Wolves are 2-3 following Wednesday's game.

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers handed a 116-115 buzzer beater defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the rematch of their Friday-night’s game. Austin Reaves emerged as the hero of the Lakers with 28 points and a career-high 16 assists. Jake LaRavia dropped 27 points, eight rebounds, and two assists while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton came up with 17 points each.

AUSTIN REAVES GAME-WINNER WITH NO TIME LEFT!!! 😱🙌

LAKERS GET THE ROAD VICTORY!!

🚨 @TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER 🚨
Your Time Defines Your Greatness. https://t.co/lyy8aK5RWb pic.twitter.com/YrAOB8WCMU
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2025

On the other hand, Julius Randle led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Jaden MacDaniels dropped 30 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Apart from them, only Donte DiVincenzo managed to register a double-digit score, while the others had a cold scoring night. The Timberwolves made a 20-point Comeback in the final seconds to take a 115-114 lead in the final ten seconds.

However, a floater by Reaves stole the win from the hosts, to guide the Lakers to a 116-115 victory. As the victory pushes the Lakers’ tally to 3-2 in the NBA season, let’s take a look at the three key takeaways from the game.

Three Key Takeaways from Lakers’ Clutch win over Timberwolves

Austin Reaves and Lakers’ Bench Depth Shine Without Superstars

The Los Angeles Lakers were shorthanded with the absence of LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber. Apart from them, they were also without Luka Doncic, who has a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion. This was the third game that Doncic missed due to the same. Amidst the absence of key players, Austin Reaves stepped up as a primary scorer and led the charts with 28 points, 16 assists, and one rebound. He became the first Laker to start a season with five straight 25-point games since Kobe Bryant in 2005.

Apart from him, Dalton Knecht dropped 15 points, one rebound, and one assist, while offseason acquisitions including Deandre Ayton dropped 17 points. This highlights LA’s improved rotation depth and their ability to adapt without top talents.

Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniel’s Heroics Not Enough Against Lakers

For the Timberwolves, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels dropped a combined 63 points on efficient shooting (21-of-39 from the field and 7-of-11 from beyond the arc). Their combined effort fueled Minnesota to an early dominance and a first-quarter lead with 34-32. However, apart from them, it was a cold effort from the rest of the starters.

While Rudy Gobert was restricted to nine points, DiVincenzo could only manage 14. Apart from them, even Mike Conley delivered eight points, with a poor contribution from the bench. The lack of overall effort from the Wolves proved to be the reason behind their defeat.

Injury Toll Highlights Questions for Wolves and Lakers

Both Wolves and Lakers entered the game with decimated rosters. While the Lakers were without Luka Doncic, LeBron James and a few other players, the TWolves missed the scoring punch of Anthony Edwards. Even in Edwards’ absence, Randle and McDaniels took charge of the offense, but it exposed vulnerabilities of the team. On the other hand, despite missing several names, the victory masked concerns over star health but validated their depth investments.

Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers

Minnesota Timberwolves

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.