T’Wolves Rain Threes to Dismantle Lakers in Playoff Opener
The Los Angeles crowd barely had time to settle in before the Minnesota Timberwolves unleashed a blitz of three-pointers that completely unraveled the Lakers’ defense. Game 1 of this first-round series at Crypto.com Arena wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Minnesota rolled over the Lakers 117-95, and their outside shooting made all the difference. The Timberwolves didn’t just steal home-court advantage—they obliterated it, drilling a franchise playoff-high 21 three-pointers and putting the rest of the league on notice.
Jaden McDaniels was the night’s unlikely hero, pacing the Wolves with 25 points by attacking the rim and knocking down open outside looks. Naz Reid came off the bench and simply caught fire—he buried six threes on the way to 23 points, stretching out the Lakers’ bigs and punishing every defensive lapse. Reid’s confidence never dipped. Every time the Lakers threatened to close the gap, he found daylight behind the arc and made LA pay.
Of course, Anthony Edwards did Anthony Edwards things—he filled up the stat sheet, scoring 22 points while dishing nine assists and pulling down eight boards. Edwards’ energy set the tone: attacking in transition, finding shooters in the corners, and teasing the Lakers with his quick first step. The Timberwolves’ balance was obvious—Julius Randle also had his shooting touch going, sinking four of those record-breaking triples.
Doncic’s Splashy Debut Not Enough as Wolves Dominate Second Quarter
This game was also marked by Luka Doncic’s much-anticipated Lakers playoff debut. LA fans were buzzing each time Doncic drilled a step-back three or threaded a pass through traffic. He poured in 37 points and gave the Lakers a glimmer of hope early. But Minnesota’s swarming defense focused on making Doncic work for every bucket. While he dazzled individually, LA’s other stars couldn’t find their rhythm.
What truly broke the game open was the Timberwolves’ massive 38-20 run in the second quarter. For that stretch, the Lakers looked helpless—Minnesota’s ball movement was crisp, players slid into open spots, and shots just kept dropping. The Lakers’ bench tried to stem the tide, but with Edwards orchestrating possession after possession, the Wolves kept piling on. By halftime, the energy in the arena felt shaky.
From there, the Lakers couldn’t recover. Attempts to trap Edwards out of pick-and-rolls just left shooters like Reid and McDaniels even more open. Every statistical trend pointed to a Timberwolves team hitting on all cylinders—they’d now won 18 of their last 22 games, and their playoff swagger couldn’t be missed on national TV. ABC’s crew—and fans streaming on ESPN+, NBA League Pass, and YouTube TV—witnessed a performance that might just shape the tone of this series.
Now, all eyes turn to Game 2. The Lakers’ roster is stacked with star power, but they’ll need a lot more than a solo show from Doncic if they want to slow down these Timberwolves and their relentless three-point attack.
Larry Keaton
April 20, 2025 AT 19:05The Lakers got smoked, they cant even defend the three! Those Wolves just turned the arena into a three‑point disco, and nobody could keep up.
Liliana Carranza
April 21, 2025 AT 22:51What an electrifying start to the playoffs, the Timberwolves turned Crypto.com Arena into a three‑point showcase that left everyone buzzing.
Seeing Jaden McDaniels weave through the lane and then spring up for a corner three is exactly the kind of highlight reel moment fans dream about.
Naz Reid’s second‑half burst of six triples shows that bench depth can be the secret weapon in a high‑pressure series.
Anthony Edwards, with his relentless drive and eye‑popping passes, reminded us why he’s considered one of the league’s most dynamic guards.
Even though Luka Doncic dropped a whopping 37 points, basketball is a team sport and the Wolves proved that collective firepower trumps individual brilliance.
The 38‑20 run early in the second quarter wasn’t just a scoring spurt; it was a statement of confidence that drenched the Lakers in doubt.
Every defender who tried to contest a shot was either out‑manned or out‑shot, underscoring the modern game’s reliance on spacing and precision.
From a coaching perspective, the Wolves’ ball movement was crisp, creating open looks faster than the Lakers could react.
Fans of the Lakers must now ask themselves whether relying on a single star can withstand a disciplined opponent who spreads the floor.
The series will undoubtedly shift gears, but the Wolves have set a tone that says they’re not just here to compete-they’re here to dominate.
For anyone who doubted Minnesota’s ability to launch from deep, this game erased those doubts in a spectacular fashion.
The energy in the arena was electric, and even the bench players fed off that momentum, contributing crucial buckets.
What’s truly impressive is the balance of scoring across the roster, which makes it harder for any single defensive scheme to lock them down.
As we look ahead to Game 2, the Lakers will need to tighten their rotations, improve communication, and find a way to disrupt that relentless three‑point rhythm.
If they can do that, the series could become a thrilling chess match; if not, the Wolves may well continue their march toward the championship.
Jeff Byrd
April 23, 2025 AT 02:38Wow, the Wolves just decided to rain threes like it’s their new diet plan-guess the Lakers ordered the “no‑soup” special.
Joel Watson
April 24, 2025 AT 06:25While the statistical outlier of 21 three‑pointers is noteworthy, one must not overlook the underlying defensive inefficiencies that facilitated such a performance.
Chirag P
April 25, 2025 AT 10:11The series now hinges on adjustments; if the Lakers can improve perimeter defense and limit the Wolves’ ball movement, they still have a chance to turn the tide.
RUBEN INGA NUÑEZ
April 26, 2025 AT 13:58The execution was flawless, the spacing perfect, and the shooting relentless-Minnesota demonstrated why teamwork beats solo heroics every time.
Michelle Warren
April 27, 2025 AT 17:45Lakers look lost lol.