Wednesday’s Lakers-Wolves matchup had all the emotions possible for LA fans.
First, there was the euphoria of being up by 20 despite not having LeBron James and Luka Dončić available. Then, there was disappointment
in the Lakers giving up the lead with 10.6 seconds left in the game.
However, the final emotion was the most positive and uplifting one. Thanks to Austin Reaves’ game-winner over the Wolves, the Lakers were able to snag a win in Minnesota in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Reaves, a player who isn’t shy about showing his emotion during big moments, explained why this shot over this team was especially sweet.
“That one felt good,” Reaves said postgame. “I mean, for obvious reasons, we won, but last time we were in this building, I had a shot to tie in the corner in the playoffs in Game 4 and missed. Let me tell you, that feeling sucks.
“We had a lead in the fourth and they did a good job of getting back into it, take the lead with 10 seconds to go. It’s easy to be down on yourself and frustrated. There were some plays in the fourth I wish I didn’t make and I made a couple turnovers. Just to have that opportunity to get us a big road win, obviously, with a lot of people hurt, it’s special.”
Considering the overall frustration in losing to the Wolves in the postseason and how it played out, it’s easy for someone to forget all the details.
Despite the Lakers getting ousted in five games, plenty of them were close late. While Game 4 is remembered more for JJ Redick decision to play just five players for the entire second half, something we’ve never seen during the play-by-play era, the Lakers could’ve still won that game.
As Reaves mentioned, he got a great open look at a corner 3-pointer in the closing seconds against the Wolves and bricked it in that game.
While a game-winner against the Wolves in October means nowhere near the same as that shot in April, it’s always nice to get some revenge, however small, against an opponent that bested you before.
Lakers players might not think games against the Wolves this year are any more significant than other regular season matchups, but fans certainly do. Any time they face the Wolves this season will be a sort of measuring stick for fans on how well the Lakers have improved.
This year’s Lakers roster is very similar to last season’s, and the same can be said about the Wolves. In the playoffs, the Wolves were better. So, every game this season will have a little more attention from Lakers fans to see if their team can beat Minnesota now.
But even if it was a game early in the regular season, seizing the opportunity he let slip earlier this year was an added bonus on top of a great moment for Reaves.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
