Austin Reaves is quietly carving out a reputation as one of the NBA's most clutch performers. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has made a habit of delivering when it matters most, especially in those heart-stopping final 24 seconds of a game. Let's dive into the numbers and moments that define his late-game heroics.
Reaves has been nothing short of sensational, hitting 8 of 12 shots in those critical moments, a remarkable 66.7% success rate. Considering the intense pressure and defensive focus in these situations, that's a stat worth celebrating.
Reaves' knack for clutch shots began in his rookie season, 2021-22, when he hit a memorable go-ahead three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks, courtesy of a Russell Westbrook assist. That shot wasn't just a game-winner; it was a statement, showcasing his fearless confidence.
Later that season, Reaves pulled off another clutch play against the Denver Nuggets. A steal and a transition lay-up to tie the game solidified his status as a player to watch in crunch time.
His sophomore season, 2022-23, brought more magic. Reaves nailed a game-tying three against the Houston Rockets from a LeBron James pass, and later, a tying floater against the Washington Wizards after slicing through the lane.
Though his first miss came in 2023-24 against the Milwaukee Bucks-a deep three at the buzzer-his willingness to take the shot spoke volumes about the trust placed in him by the team.
Reaves continued to shine in 2024-25. On Christmas Day, he drove through traffic to score a go-ahead layup in overtime against the Golden State Warriors. Another big moment came against the Chicago Bulls, where he briefly gave the Lakers the lead before a half-court buzzer-beater by Josh Giddey turned the tide.
In the 2025 playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Reaves missed a crucial corner three in Game 4. It was only his second miss in such situations, underscoring just how reliable he's been.
This season, Reaves has added more highlights. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James out, he hit a game-winning floater at the buzzer against the Timberwolves.
Although he missed a tying attempt against the Phoenix Suns, one of his most memorable sequences came against the Nuggets. After being stripped on a potential game-tying layup, he intentionally missed a free throw, grabbed his own rebound, and scored to force overtime, leading to a Lakers victory.
Beyond the clutch moments, Reaves is having a career year, averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 50.2% from the field and 38.0% from beyond the arc. A calf injury sidelined him for a month, costing him an All-Star appearance, but his impact is undeniable.
The Lakers see Reaves as a key piece of their future, especially alongside Luka Doncic. Their growing chemistry is a cornerstone of the team's plans, with a significant contract extension likely on the horizon. Reaves is proving he's not just a clutch shooter but a vital part of the Lakers' long-term vision.