The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a surprising victory in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 117-95. After gaining a lead in the second quarter, the Timberwolves maintained control, leading by double digits throughout the second half.
Minnesota dominated the game on both offense and defense. Following the loss, Lakers` coach JJ Redick and players acknowledged they underestimated the Timberwolves` toughness.
Coach Redick stated, `They are a top team in the league. It`s not that our players weren`t ready for a playoff-level game mentally. We had the right mindset and communication.` He added, `However, physically, we might not have been fully prepared. When they increased their intensity and physicality, we didn`t respond adequately.`
Guard Austin Reaves agreed, saying, `I think they simply outplayed us physically from the start.`
The Timberwolves outperformed the Lakers in rebounds (44-38), points in the paint (44-32), second-chance points (23-20), and forced more turnovers (13-10). Despite their experience, the Lakers seemed unprepared for the playoff intensity. As Mike Tyson famously said, `Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.`
The Timberwolves` strength lies in their physical and athletic roster with versatile players, especially in the postseason. In contrast, the Lakers prefer a smaller lineup and lack the size to match up against Minnesota`s frontcourt. Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers` only true center, started but played limited minutes.
This series is still ongoing. The Lakers have strong playoff performers like Luka Doncic and LeBron James and are unlikely to have another game with under 40% shooting. Besides improving their shooting, the Lakers need to elevate their game to meet the challenge.
LeBron James, after a Game 1 performance with 19 points on 18 shots, expressed confidence in his team`s ability to respond in Game 2.
Jasper Hawthorne