Timberwolves Take 3-1 Lead Over Lakers in Historic Playoff Win

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a thrilling 116-113 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. This win marks a historic moment as it is the first time the Timberwolves have led a postseason series 3-1 at home.

The game was not easy for Minnesota, especially after a tough third quarter where they fell behind by 10 points. Anthony Edwards, however, brought the Timberwolves back to life with a stellar performance, scoring 43 points and leading his team in the final moments of the game.

With only two minutes left, the Timberwolves had rallied to take a four-point lead. But the Lakers stunned the crowd with back-to-back three-pointers from Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith, regaining the lead with 89 seconds remaining.

This scenario would have defeated many past Timberwolves squads, but the current team’s resilience was evident. Following a three-point play from Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota regained possession while leading by one point. A crucial moment arrived when LeBron James committed a foul against McDaniels. Head Coach Chris Finch challenged the play, and the referees ultimately ruled in favor of the Timberwolves, overturning the initial call against them.

This pivotal moment can be linked to a significant rule change in the NBA, known as the “proximate foul rule,” established after a controversial incident during last year’s Western Conference Finals. In that game, a lack of a similar rule prevented a foul from being called, resulting in a painful loss for Minnesota. Now, the Timberwolves find themselves benefiting from this change, providing fans a sense of poetic justice.

“This win means a lot to us,” Edwards said post-game. “We showed great heart and determination, and it paid off.”

With this victory, the Timberwolves have positioned themselves for a historic playoff run, and fans are eagerly hopeful about their team’s championship prospects.