The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a dominant 117-95 victory in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 19, 2025. The game, held at Crypto.com Arena, saw the Timberwolves deliver a complete team performance with key contributions from their stars and an explosive shooting display from beyond the arc.
Key Performances from the Timberwolves
- Anthony Edwards led the charge with 22 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds, showcasing his all-around skills and leadership on the court.
- Jaden McDaniels contributed 25 points and 9 rebounds while providing crucial defensive stops throughout the game.
- Naz Reid, off the bench, delivered a stellar performance with 23 points, including six 3-pointers. Reid’s shooting helped the Timberwolves set a franchise playoff record with 21 made threes.
Timberwolves’ Sharpshooting Shines
The Timberwolves’ shooting from beyond the arc was a game-changer. Their 21-of-42 shooting performance from three-point range was remarkable, with nine of those makes coming from the corner, the second-most ever in a playoff game since player tracking began in 2013. The Lakers’ defense struggled to contain Minnesota’s perimeter shooting, particularly from the corners, which contributed to the Timberwolves’ overwhelming victory.
Lakers’ Struggles in Game 1
Despite a strong 37-point performance from Luka Dončić, the Lakers’ supporting cast faltered. Austin Reaves scored just 16 points on inefficient shooting, and he admitted after the game that the loss served as “a good wake-up call” for the team. The Lakers’ defense struggled with physicality and consistency, and they were unable to contain Minnesota’s offensive barrage.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
With Game 1 in the books, the Timberwolves have gained significant momentum. They’ll look to continue their aggressive play and capitalize on the Lakers’ defensive weaknesses in Game 2, which is scheduled for April 22, 2025. The Lakers, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on improving their defensive intensity to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.
The Timberwolves’ dominant performance has put the Lakers on notice, and the rest of the series is expected to be a thrilling contest.
