Lakers vs Timberwolves: Doncic and Reaves fire L.A. to a 120-106 win, climbing past Minnesota in the West standings

What a start? The Lakers came out against the Timberwolves like they'd forgotten where the basket was. Missed their first eight shots from the field, their first eleven three-point attempts all clanked off – you'd be forgiven for thinking it was going to be a long night. But if you've already written off JJ Redick's squad this season, you couldn't be more wrong. When the dust settled, a well-deserved 120-106 (16-21, 29-24, 39-23, 36-38) was up on the Crypto.com Arena scoreboard, sending a clear message: this team is ready for the business end of the season.

A slow start? No way: The second half belongs to the Lakers

The first half was an offensive grind – for both teams. Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic, usually good for 30-point nights, couldn't buy a bucket early. Edwards, in particular, had a rough one; the Lakers, using Marcus Smart, kept baiting him into foul trouble, and he finished with just 2 of 15 from the field. At half-time, it was locked up at 45-45, and you got the feeling the first team to find their rhythm would take it.

But the Lakers came out of the sheds a different side. Led by a phenomenal Austin Reaves – who'd gone 1 of 8 in the first half – the team exploded. Reaves single-handedly dropped 16 points in the third quarter, carving them up with drives and a couple of insane layups. He finished with 31 points for the game – 29 of those after the main break. Now that's a statement.

Doncic delivers, Ayton battles – The supporting cast makes the difference

Sure, Luka Doncic went about his business as usual. The Slovenian finished the game with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists – his seventh triple-double of the season and the 89th of his career. He had his troubles early against the Wolves' long and athletic defence, but his chemistry with Reaves in the third quarter was simply world-class.

What impressed me even more, though, was the team's attitude. With LeBron James (sitting out his third straight game with injury) and big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber also sidelined, the responsibility fell to Deandre Ayton – and he stepped up. Finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds, he was not only a rock in defence, but also the guy who kept the Lakers in the game during that first quarter when nothing else was falling.

• Deandre Ayton: Season-best form? Strong against the Knicks, even better against the Wolves. He's rediscovered his inner lion.
• Marcus Smart: Another game where he won't light up the box score (8 points), but his physicality and two drawn offensive fouls set the tone.
• Jake LaRavia: 1 of 7 from the field – and still a plus-13! His seven rebounds (five offensive) and sheer effort were pure gold.

A statement win with a message

This win was about more than just two points. Not only did the Lakers sweep the season series against the Timberwolves 3-0, but thanks to the better head-to-head record, they've leapfrogged Minnesota and snatched fourth place in the Western Conference. And they've done it all without LeBron. The numbers without the King speak volumes: 13-8 overall, but 10-2 when Doncic and Reaves are running the show together.

For the Timberwolves, this was a bitter blow. After five straight wins, they've now dropped two in a row, and the way their offence went to sleep – with Anthony Edwards looking completely out of sorts – is a real concern. They're on the road to face the Clippers next, and they need to figure out how to handle that kind of physical defence fast, or their L.A. road trip could get very ugly.

What's the takeaway?

This version of the Lakers is just fun to watch. They're playing with a toughness and a unity you wouldn't have bet on a few months back. JJ Redick has established a clear pecking order, and every single guy who steps on the floor – from Ayton to Smart to LaRavia – knows exactly what's required. If LeBron comes back and slots into this system that's already working, this season could genuinely turn into something special. But for now, it's simple: keep it rolling, boys. Next stop: Chicago Bulls.