Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Doncic and Reaves Power L.A. to 120-106 Win, Climb Up West Standings

What a start? The Lakers came out against the Timberwolves like they forgot where the basket was. Missed their first 8 shots from the field, airballed their first 11 three-pointers – for a moment there, you thought it was gonna 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 on the board at Crypto.com Arena, sending a clear message: This team is ready for the crunch time.

Slow Start? No Way: The Second Half Belongs to the Lakers

The first half was an offensive mess – for both teams. Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic, guys usually good for 30-point nights, couldn't buy a bucket early on. Edwards, especially, had a rough night. The Lakers kept baiting him into fouls with Marcus Smart, and he ended up making only 2 of his 15 shots. At halftime, it was 45-45, and you got the feeling the winner would be the first team to find their coffee.

But the Lakers came out of the locker room a completely different team. Led by an incredible Austin Reaves – who shot 1-for-8 in the first half – the team exploded. Reaves alone dropped 16 points in the third quarter, slicing to the rim and hitting two insane floaters. He finished the game with 31 points – 29 of them after the break. Now that's what you call a statement.

Doncic Delivers, Ayton Fights – The Rest Make the Difference

Sure, Luka Doncic put in his usual shift. 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 also struggled early against the Wolves' long and athletic defence, but his partnership with Reaves in the third quarter was simply world-class.

But what I maybe appreciated even more was the team's attitude. With LeBron James (sitting out injured for the third straight game) and big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber also sidelined, the responsibility fell on Deandre Ayton – and he delivered. Putting up 14 points and 12 rebounds, he was a rock at the back and the one who kept the Lakers in the game during that first quarter when nothing else was falling.

• Deandre Ayton: Season-best performance? Strong against the Knicks, even better against the Wolves. He's rediscovered his inner lion.
• Marcus Smart: Another guy who won't light up the box score (8 points), but he dictates the game with his physicality and drew two offensive fouls.
• Jake LaRavia: Shot 1-for-7 from the field – and still had a plus/minus of +13! His seven rebounds (five offensive) and hustle were pure gold.

A Statement Win That Sends 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 grabbed the fourth spot in the Western Conference. And they did it all without LeBron. Their record without the King speaks volumes: 13-8 overall, but 10-2 when Doncic and Reaves are running the show together.

For the Timberwolves, this was a real setback. After winning five straight, they've now lost two in a row, and the way their offence flatlined, with Anthony Edwards completely out of sorts, is a real concern. They're off to face the Clippers next – and need to figure out quickly how to handle this kind of physical defence, or their L.A. trip could get seriously ugly.

What's the takeaway?

This version of the Lakers is just fun to watch. They're playing with a toughness and a togetherness you wouldn't have expected from this team a few months back. JJ Redick has established a clear pecking order, and everyone who steps on the court – from Ayton to Smart to LaRavia – knows exactly what their job is. When LeBron comes back and slots into this well-oiled machine, this season could actually turn into something really special. But for now, it's: keep it going, guys. Next stop: Chicago Bulls.