Lakers Even Series with Timberwolves After Game 2 Grit

After Game 1 blowout, Dončić, James lead defensive rebound in LA

By OGNSC Staff

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their 2025 playoff campaign with a split against the Minnesota Timberwolves, bouncing back from a lopsided Game 1 loss to win Game 2 at Crypto.com Arena. With the series now tied 1–1, the matchup shifts to Minneapolis for a pivotal Game 3 on Friday.

Game 1: Timberwolves Torch Lakers from Deep

In Saturday’s opener, the Timberwolves unleashed a barrage from beyond the arc, hitting a franchise playoff-record 21 three-pointers en route to a 117–95 victory. The Lakers had no answers for Minnesota’s hot shooting or their defensive energy.

Luka Dončić led Los Angeles with 37 points and eight assists, trying to keep pace with Minnesota’s offensive onslaught. LeBron James chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds, but the Lakers struggled mightily with turnovers and second-chance points.

“We just got outworked tonight,” James said postgame. “They beat us to every loose ball, every rebound. That can’t happen in the playoffs.”

Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, while Naz Reid added 23 points off the bench, exposing the Lakers’ defensive rotations and lack of paint protection without Anthony Davis, who was nursing a sore ankle.

Game 2: Defensive Intensity Fuels Lakers

Game 2 told a different story. The Lakers flipped the script with a renewed focus on defense and physicality, holding the Timberwolves to just 85 points and 20% shooting from three-point range.

Dončić nearly notched a triple-double with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. James added 21 points and 11 boards, anchoring both ends of the court with poise and leadership.

“I challenged the guys after Game 1,” Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said. “And they responded like a team that knows what’s at stake.”

The Lakers stormed out of the gate with a 29–10 first-quarter lead, energized by strong play from Austin Reaves, who had 16 points and two steals. Rui Hachimura added 11 points and defended Anthony Edwards, who was held to just 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting.

Even without Davis, the Lakers controlled the glass and the tempo. Jarred Vanderbilt returned from a quad injury to log crucial minutes, grabbing six rebounds and playing stout defense.

“We made it a point to defend every possession, make them feel us,” Reaves said.

What’s Next: Series Shifts to Minnesota

With the series tied, the pressure now moves to Minnesota as the Timberwolves look to recapture the offensive rhythm they found in Game 1. The Lakers, on the other hand, will need to carry over their Game 2 intensity and continue to get production from their supporting cast.

Tip-off for Game 3 is set for Friday evening at Target Center. If the Lakers hope to take control of the series, another team-first, defensive-minded effort will be required.

“We know who we are,” James said. “Now we just have to keep proving it.”