Wolves’ Three-Point Barrage Stuns Lakers in Playoff Opener

The Minnesota Timberwolves rewrote their playoff record books while silencing the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers in a dominant 117-95 victory Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves connected on a franchise playoff-record 21 three-pointers on 42 attempts, overwhelming the third-seeded Lakers despite a 37-point performance from Luka Dončić, according to Yahoo Sports.

The emphatic win gives Minnesota a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven first-round series and sends a clear message about their championship aspirations. For the Lakers—hosting their first playoff opener at home with a full arena since 2012—the result raises serious questions about their defensive identity and roster compatibility.

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From Early Deficit to Complete Control

The Timberwolves showed remarkable poise in a hostile environment, weathering Dončić’s explosive 16-point first quarter and the Lakers’ early seven-point lead. Rather than panicking, Minnesota methodically found their rhythm in a dominant second quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 38-20 to completely flip the game’s momentum.

“Minnesota weathered Dončić’s 16-point first quarter in front of a roaring LA crowd then took control with a 38-20 second quarter and poured it on after halftime, showcasing their veteran poise and playoff experience,” Yahoo Sports noted in their analysis.

The Timberwolves’ lead ballooned as high as 27 points in the second half as they executed their game plan to perfection. Los Angeles never managed to cut the deficit to single digits after Minnesota’s second-quarter surge, leaving the once-raucous home crowd stunned into silence.

Balanced Attack Overwhelms Lakers’ Stars

Minnesota’s offensive firepower came from multiple sources, highlighting their roster depth and versatility. Jaden McDaniels led the way with 25 points, while Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid delivered 23 points including six three-pointers in a masterful performance off the bench.

Anthony Edwards nearly recorded a triple-double despite shooting struggles, finishing with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds on 8-of-22 shooting. His ability to impact the game beyond scoring proved crucial as he repeatedly created opportunities for teammates when his own shot wasn’t falling.

Julius Randle joined Edwards in connecting on four three-pointers, as Minnesota’s balanced attack consistently generated high-percentage shots through disciplined ball movement and tactical execution. The Timberwolves’ approach showcased their evolution from last season’s Western Conference Finals appearance.

Star Power Without Support

In contrast, the Lakers’ offense relied heavily on individual brilliance rather than systematic execution. Dončić delivered an impressive 37-point performance on efficient 54.5% shooting while grabbing eight rebounds, but received minimal support from his teammates, according to Bleacher Report.

LeBron James contributed 19 points and five rebounds but shot a modest 8-of-18 from the field. More concerning was the stars’ playmaking struggles—James and Dončić combined for just four assists against nine turnovers, an uncharacteristic ratio for two of the league’s elite facilitators.

“Both James and Dončić combined to commit nine turnovers compared to a mere four assists,” Bleacher Report observed, highlighting a critical deficiency in the Lakers’ offensive execution.

Beyond Austin Reaves, who added 16 points, no other Laker reached double figures in scoring. This lack of production beyond the team’s stars created a predictable offensive attack that Minnesota effectively contained throughout the game.

Defensive Disconnection Proves Costly

The Lakers’ defensive breakdowns appeared systematic rather than coincidental, as Minnesota repeatedly generated open looks from beyond the arc. Many of the Timberwolves’ 21 three-pointers came on uncontested attempts, suggesting significant issues with Los Angeles’ defensive rotations and communication.

“Julius Randle and Edwards hit four 3-pointers apiece as the Timberwolves made a franchise playoff-record 21 3-pointers on 42 attempts — with many of those shots taken without a defender in sight,” Yahoo Sports reported, highlighting a glaring weakness the Lakers must address before Game 2.

The defensive struggles appeared particularly frustrating for James, whose championship pedigree has been built largely on elite two-way play in the postseason. Social media reactions from fans and franchise legends reflected growing concern about the team’s defensive identity and championship viability.

Source: https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-playoffs-standings-and-bracket-updates

Chemistry Versus Timeline

The result underscored the contrasting situations of both franchises. Minnesota’s performance reflected their established chemistry and collective experience from last season’s playoff run, while the Lakers continue searching for cohesion after acquiring Dončić at the February trade deadline.

“While the Lakers are still searching for chemistry after acquiring Dončić two months ago, Minnesota are eager to improve on last season’s run to the Western Conference finals,” noted Yahoo Sports.

This timeline difference proved significant in the playoff cauldron, where established roles and systemic understanding often outweigh raw talent. The Timberwolves’ confidence in their defensive schemes and offensive patterns allowed them to execute under pressure, while the Lakers appeared to default to isolation basketball when challenged.

Game 2 becomes critical for Los Angeles, who must now adjust quickly to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole before the series shifts to Minnesota. For the Timberwolves, the emphatic victory provides both momentum and validation of their approach as they pursue deeper playoff advancement.

The teams will meet again Tuesday night in Los Angeles for the second game of this best-of-seven first-round series.

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