The Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their 2025 NBA playoff campaign with a resounding 11795 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their firstround series. Despite a stellar 37point performance from Luka Doncic, the Timberwolves displayed their offensive depth and cohesive team play, handing the Lakers a shocking defeat at home.
The game was a tale of two halves. After a strong start from the Lakers, who were fueled by Doncics scorching 16point first quarter, the Timberwolves tightened their defense and found their rhythm offensively. They outscored the Lakers 3820 in the second quarter, a massive swing that allowed them to seize control of the game. From that point forward, the Timberwolves sharpshooting and superior ball movement overwhelmed the Lakers.
Key performances from Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, who combined for 48 points, set the tone for the Timberwolves triumph. McDaniels added 25 points while Reid was unstoppable from beyond the arc, hitting six threepointers on his way to 23 points. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves AllStar guard, contributed 22 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds, proving once again why hes one of the leagues rising stars.
Minnesotas shooting was nothing short of remarkable, as they set a franchise playoff record by making 21 threepointers out of 42 attempts. This threepoint barrage was too much for the Lakers to handle, especially as they struggled to contain the Timberwolves perimeter shooters. LeBron James, who finished with 19 points, was visibly frustrated with his teams inability to keep pace, noting that the Timberwolves physicality caught them off guard.
We didnt execute, said James. We have to be more physical. We have to control what we can control and bounce back in Game 2.
The Lakers, who have been adjusting to the addition of Doncic, were clearly still finding their chemistry. Despite Doncics 37 points, which included several dazzling stepback threes, the Lakers were simply outclassed. The combination of poor shooting especially from the threepoint line and defensive lapses allowed the Timberwolves to dominate in all phases of the game.
Minnesotas head coach, Chris Finch, expressed satisfaction with his teams performance but emphasized the need to stay grounded. Its just Game 1. We know the Lakers will come back stronger. We have to maintain this momentum but stay focused on the bigger picture.
The Lakers will need to make adjustments before Game 2, especially in terms of their defense and perimeter shooting. If they hope to rebound from this loss and avoid going down 20 in the series, they must shore up their defense and find better ways to contain Minnesotas explosive offensive attack.
While its still early in the series, the Timberwolves have already made a statement with this win. They are determined to build on their impressive run from last season, where they made a deep push to the Western Conference Finals. Minnesotas performance was a reminder of their potential and the dangerous blend of young talent and veteran experience that they bring to the table.
As the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 2, the Lakers will look to regroup and reclaim homecourt advantage. For now, the Timberwolves hold a significant upper hand, and with their star players firing on all cylinders, they are poised for what could be an exciting playoff run.
Game 2 will be a crucial test for both teams, but if Minnesotas shooting continues to shine and their defense holds steady, they may be poised to pull off an upset and make a deep run in the playoffs.