Timberwolves Outmuscle Lakers in Game 1 of Playoffs
By Dave McMenamin
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers aimed for a strong start in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves after earning a brief respite following their more strenuous recent campaigns. However, their efforts were thwarted with a decisive 117-95 loss on Saturday.
Physicality Prevails
The Lakers entered the postseason with the goal of shaking off past challenges faced in the play-in tournament. Unfortunately for them, the Timberwolves exhibited overwhelming physicality that the Lakers struggled to counteract. Lakers head coach JJ Redick remarked, “It’s not to say our guys weren’t ready to withstand a playoff-level basketball game. I’m not sure physically we were ready.”
Defensive Dominance
In the first game of the series, the Timberwolves showcased their size advantage, particularly with their frontcourt athletes. The combination of 7-1 Rudy Gobert, and 6-9 teammates Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle allowed Minnesota to effectively control the game, outscoring L.A. 67-33 from the start of the second quarter to almost the end of the third. Lakers guard Austin Reaves noted, “I think that they just physically beat us from the get-go.”
Star Players Struggle
LeBron James, the player with the highest number of playoff games in history, suggested that the loss served as a learning experience regarding the series’ competitive intensity: “Maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for it and know what type of intensity, the type of physicality is going to be brought to the game,” he commented, finishing with just 19 points.
Offensive Challenges
While Luka Doncic emerged as the standout performer with a game-high of 37 points, the Lakers’ alternate offensive threats struggled to maintain momentum. Doncic emphasized the importance of establishing an early offensive tone by drawing fouls against key players like Gobert and McDaniels within the first quarter.
Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves added to the pressure with 22 points, despite dealing with muscle cramps, emphasizing the team’s strategy to manage physicality without incurring foul trouble, stating, “Just tried to be as physical as possible.” While the Lakers managed to take 16 free throws, the Timberwolves limited their own to just 11.
Coach’s Adjustments
In an effort to revitalize the team, Redick made the decision to bench starting center Jaxson Hayes early in the second half, opting for a smaller lineup incorporating wings Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt. This tactical shift yielded a temporary boost, allowing the Lakers to work their deficit down from 27 points. Nonetheless, the Timberwolves promptly regained control, extending their lead back beyond 20 points.
Vanderbilt remarked on the need for a more aggressive approach in the upcoming Game 2, emphasizing, “I feel like they hit us first… the tougher team that wins that battle wins the game.”
Three-Point Barrage
Along with dominating play inside, the Timberwolves set a franchise postseason record with 21 successful three-pointers, exemplifying their offensive depth. Key contributions from McDaniels and Naz Reid, scoring 25 and 23 points, respectively, showcased Minnesota’s balance and scoring capability.
Looking Ahead
As the series continues, the Lakers recognize the challenge ahead and aim to adjust their strategy in light of the lessons learned on Saturday. With only a two-day gap before facing off again, the urgency to adapt is palpable.
“It was a great atmosphere,” Doncic reflected on the game. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get the win — the first win. But it’s always first to four.”