📍 Los Angeles — April 19, 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers were overwhelmed by the Minnesota Timberwolves’ relentless physicality, falling 117-95 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night. Despite a week of rest and preparation, L.A. struggled to match Minnesota’s intensity and paid the price.

Timberwolves Set the Tone Early

From the opening tip, Minnesota’s aggressive approach rattled the Lakers. Head coach JJ Redick admitted his team was caught off guard by the Timberwolves’ bruising style.

“When they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn’t respond,” Redick said postgame.

Luka Dončić attempted to set the tone early, scoring 16 of his 37 points in the first quarter and drawing multiple fouls. However, the Lakers’ offensive rhythm broke down as the game wore on. Dončić, who typically thrives in facilitating, finished with just one assist.

“That’s not good enough for me,” Dončić said. “I have to be better for us to have a chance.”

LeBron James contributed 19 points but acknowledged the team’s lack of playoff-level urgency.

“It’s a lesson,” James said. “They showed us the level we have to reach.”

Minnesota’s Balanced Attack Breaks Through

Minnesota’s front line — Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Julius Randle — dominated the boards and neutralized the Lakers’ attempts to establish a paint presence.

On the perimeter, McDaniels and Naz Reid provided the scoring punch, combining for 48 points and knocking down nine 3-pointers between them. As a team, the Timberwolves set a franchise postseason record by hitting 21-of-42 from beyond the arc.

Jarred Vanderbilt emphasized the need for a mindset shift ahead of Game 2.

“They hit us first. They were the tougher team,” Vanderbilt said. “We have to be the aggressor next time.”

Urgent Adjustments Needed

The Timberwolves’ controlled, relentless play left the Lakers searching for adjustments with little time to regroup. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, and the Lakers face the critical task of reclaiming the series momentum before heading to Minnesota.

Redick hinted at tactical changes but underscored the need for a mentality shift.

“This series is going to be a test of our toughness and our togetherness,” he said. “We have to meet that challenge head-on.”