Game 1 of the playoffs wasn’t just a win for the Minnesota Timberwolves — it was a statement. A loud, confident, no-apologies kind of statement. Facing off against the powerhouse Lakers, Minnesota didn’t just show up — they took over.
Final score? 117–95. But honestly, the scoreboard didn’t even tell the whole story.
š„ Timberwolves Were Locked In
From the opening tip, the Wolves looked dialed in. Every possession felt purposeful. Every shot had confidence behind it. Jaden McDaniels led the charge with an all-around performance that screamed “I’m ready for this moment.” And Anthony Edwards? That guy played like a leader, not a rising star — delivering buckets, boards, and beautiful assists.
Off the bench, Naz Reid was electric. Instant offense. Pure energy. The kind of player that playoff teams dream of having when the stars sit for a breather.
And the threes? Oh, the threes. The Wolves rained down shots from deep — setting a franchise playoff record with 21 made triples. They didn’t just stretch the floor — they owned it.
š¬ Lakers Left Searching for Answers
On the other side, the Lakers had flashes — but flashes don’t win playoff games. Luka DonÄiÄ, making his postseason debut in purple and gold, did his part with a gritty 37-point effort. But it wasn’t enough. The offense felt disconnected. The bench went cold. The fast breaks? Almost non-existent.
Even LeBron, the always-reliable, felt more human than usual. He still put up numbers, but the spark wasn’t there — not like the Wolves had.
š What This Means Going Forward
Let’s be clear: it’s only Game 1. But this was a wake-up call for L.A. and a warning shot from Minnesota. The Wolves didn’t just win — they dominated, on both ends of the court.
Momentum now belongs to the young, hungry team from the North. The Lakers? They’ve got some serious regrouping to do — fast.
