Kristina Roberts
The NBA Playoffs kicked off with an exciting lineup of games, but one matchup stood out—the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. The Timberwolves took control early and never looked back, defeating the Lakers 117-95 in Game 1 of their playoff series. Anthony Edwards was the star of the night, leading his team with an impressive performance.
A Tough Night for the Lakers
The Lakers, playing at home in front of their fans, hoped to start the playoffs strong. However, things didn’t go as planned. By halftime, they were already trailing 59-48. The Timberwolves came out even stronger in the third quarter, going on an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 22 points.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota’s young superstar, was unstoppable. He hit a deep three-pointer to push the lead to 27 points, leaving the Lakers struggling to keep up. Edwards finished the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists—just one assist shy of a triple-double.
Lakers’ Late Fightback Falls Short
Despite the huge deficit, the Lakers didn’t give up. Their new superstar, Luka Dončić, tried to spark a comeback. He scored a jaw-dropping half-court shot at the end of the third quarter, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 94-78. The crowd at Crypto.com Arena erupted in excitement, hoping for a miracle.
But the Timberwolves quickly shut down any hopes of a Lakers comeback. They responded with a 12-2 run in the fourth quarter, sealing their victory. Jaden McDaniels was another key player for Minnesota, scoring 25 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. The Timberwolves also set a new franchise playoff record by making 21 three-pointers in the game.
For the Lakers, Luka Dončić had a great night with 37 points and 8 rebounds, tying a Lakers playoff record. LeBron James added 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s dominance.
Coach Redick Admits Lakers Weren’t Ready
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“I’m not sure physically we were ready, if that makes sense,” Redick said. “And really, when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn’t respond immediately to that. Then that stretch from the start of the second through four, five minutes to go in the third—we lost that stretch by 34, so that’s a blowout.”
His words highlighted the Lakers’ struggles to match Minnesota’s energy and intensity.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Game 2 of the series will take place on Tuesday, April 22, again at the Lakers’ home court. The Lakers will need to make major adjustments if they want to even the series. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will look to carry their momentum into the next game.
Other Playoff Action: Knicks Stage Incredible Comeback
In another exciting playoff game, the New York Knicks pulled off a stunning comeback against the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons led by 11 points in the fourth quarter, but the Knicks went on a 21-0 run to steal the game, winning 123-112.
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star guard, had a rough start but finished strong with 34 points. Despite dealing with an ankle injury, Brunson played a crucial role in the Knicks’ victory.
“Obviously, we didn’t end the third quarter the way we wanted to, but there was never a doubt that we’re going to just lay down and not fight,” Brunson said after the game. “We had to find a way to figure things out and keep battling. And I mean, it turned around quickly.”
The first day of the NBA Playoffs was full of surprises. The Timberwolves sent a strong message with their dominant win over the Lakers, while the Knicks showed incredible resilience in their comeback.
For the Lakers, Game 1 was a wake-up call. They’ll need more from their stars and better defense to bounce back in Game 2. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves proved they’re serious contenders this postseason.
Basketball fans can’t wait to see what happens next!
