The Minnesota Timberwolves overwhelmed the Los Angeles Lakers 117-95 in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena, using aggressive defense and sharp shooting to seize control of the series.
In their 117-95 win over the Lakers, the Timberwolves used transition play and physical intensity to take control. Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 25-6 in fast-break points and 44-32 in the paint. The team shot 50% from beyond the arc, setting a fast pace that the Lakers struggled to match.
McDaniels, Edwards, Reid lead the charge
Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points and nine rebounds. Naz Reid added 23 points off the bench, and Anthony Edwards finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Their balanced attack and tight defense left the Lakers with few answers.
On the other end, the Lakers lacked rhythm early. Both LeBron James and Austin Reaves were scoreless in the first quarter. James ended with 19 points, while Reaves added 16—most of their production coming after the game was out of reach.
Dončić scores 37, but Lakers offense falters
Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 37 points and eight rebounds. However, he recorded only one assist and five turnovers, reflecting the team’s poor offensive flow and lack of ball movement.
James now stands at 23-31 all-time in Game 1 appearances, while Dončić is 2-6. Both have bounced back from slow playoff starts before, but with Game 2 approaching, the Lakers will need more than history to avoid falling behind in the series.
To stay competitive, Los Angeles must improve its defensive rotations, create offensive flow, and match Minnesota’s physicality in the paint and transition.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jungyoonjae@koreadaily.com],
AND ETHAN NARCISO
