Austin Reaves addressed reporters Wednesday night after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 103-96 Game 5 loss, closing out their first-round playoff series.
Reaves, who averaged 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across the five games, said bluntly, “We just didn’t play good enough to beat them.”
Minnesota advanced after winning three straight games, including Wednesday’s contest where Rudy Gobert posted career playoff highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds.
Despite trailing by only two entering the fourth quarter, the Lakers managed just 16 points in the final 12 minutes, unable to withstand Minnesota’s physicality and rebounding edge.
“They played a really good series,” Reaves said. “It comes down to just us not being us.”
Reaves struggled in Game 5, shooting 5-for-14 and committing a team-high six turnovers, while the Timberwolves outrebounded Los Angeles 54-37.
When asked about his own performance, Reaves admitted, “I didn’t have the series that I wanted to have. So, you can point the finger at me. I really don’t care. I wasn’t good enough to help us be successful… I struggled. But you live and you learn.”
The Lakers’ postseason hopes faltered despite a late-season boost from the addition of Luka Doncic, who finished Game 5 with 28 points and nine assists.
LeBron James added 22 points, and Rui Hachimura scored 23, but the Lakers’ lack of frontcourt size allowed Gobert to dominate in the paint.
Reaves emphasized the importance of continuity with James and Doncic, noting they played just 21 games together this season.
“The more time you spend… you’re just going to become more cohesive, more together,” he said. “We just didn’t play good enough in this series.”
The Timberwolves missed 40 of their 47 three-point attempts but made up for it with second-chance points and paint dominance.
Reaves called the season “a lot of fun” despite the early playoff exit, praising the Lakers’ environment and camaraderie.
As for the offseason, the 26-year-old guard said his focus is simple: “Just play better… I’m going to go to work and do the same thing next year.”
Minnesota now moves on to the second round for the second consecutive season, awaiting the winner of the Golden State–Houston series.
The Lakers head into the offseason facing roster questions and the futures of key veterans after another first-round elimination.
