NBA news: Physical Timberwolves brush aside star-studded Lakers in Game 1 of play-off series
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a surprising 117-95 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their NBA first-round play-off series.
Led by Jayden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves ably controlled the game at both ends of the court on their way to a deserved victory at Crypto.com Arena.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series takes place at the same venue on Tuesday night and will see the Lakers looking for redemption in front of their fans.
Sports News Blitz writer Stephen Oladehinde reports on the fallout from Saturday’s clash.
Lakers undone by physical Timberwolves
The Timberwolves outscored their star-studded opponents in the paint 44-32 and forced 13 turnovers while only giving up 10.
After the game, CBS reported that Lakers' coach JJ Redick and his players conceded that they were not prepared for the Timberwolves' physicality.
“They're one of the best teams in basketball,” Redick said. “It's not to say our guys weren't ready to withstand a playoff-level basketball game.
“We were mentally ready. I thought our spirit was right. I thought even when they made runs, our huddles were great. The communication was great.
“I'm not sure physically we were ready, if that makes sense. And really, when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn't respond to meet that.”
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Outplayed hosts vow to improve
The Timberwolves boast a large, athletic, and physical rotation with many interchangeable parts, making them one of the few teams that can elevate their game in the postseason.
In contrast, the Lakers opted to play small on Saturday as they lack the size to match up with the Wolves' frontcourt – and it did not come off.
James, who scored 19 points and five rebounds, agreed with Redick’s comments before promising that the Lakers would bounce back in Game 2.
“Maybe it took us one play-off game to now get a feel for it and know what type of intensity, the type of physicality, is going to be brought to the game,” James said.
“But that's just the way they play. So we should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday night.”
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Dominant Doncic remains the key
Minnesota took the lead early in the second quarter and never relinquished it, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half.
The Lakers ended up losing the first half 48-59 and the second 47-58.
Luka Doncic was the best player for the Lakers, scoring 31 points and eight rebounds, but his brilliance was not enough to save a poor team effort.
With that said, the Lakers still have a great chance to win this series thanks to possessing two of the best play-off performers around in Doncic and James, so it is all to play for.
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