Timberwolves Upset Lakers in Game 1 of Playoffs

Los Angeles, CA – The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a decisive 117-95 victory in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 19, 2025. The Timberwolves displayed their three-point shooting prowess and solid team play, securing a crucial road win against the favored Lakers.

Leading the charge for Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels netted 25 points, while Naz Reid added a key contribution off the bench with 23 points, making six three-pointers. The Timberwolves shot an impressive 51.2 percent from the field and a franchise playoff record of 21 three-pointers.

“We came in with a plan and executed it perfectly,” McDaniels said. “Winning in LA is huge for us, especially in Game 1. It builds confidence.”

For the Lakers, Luka Doncic, playing in his playoff debut, led the team with 37 points but struggled for support as Los Angeles simply could not keep pace with Minnesota’s offensive firepower. LeBron James, despite his playoff experience, added only 10 points in the loss.

The game took a turning point in the second quarter, where the Timberwolves scored 38 points compared to the Lakers’ paltry 20. This surge helped Minnesota establish a substantial lead that they held onto for the remainder of the game.

Anthony Edwards, an All-Star and one of the Timberwolves’ key players, finished with 17 points but left the game briefly due to an apparent leg issue. “I just needed to stretch it out a bit,” he said postgame. “I was fine.”

During the first quarter, it was the Lakers who took an early lead, with Doncic scoring 20 points and helping his team build momentum. “We started strong, but unfortunately, we couldn’t maintain it,” head coach JJ Redick noted. “We need to adjust and come back stronger in Game 2.”

The Timberwolves, who were the sixth seed in the playoffs, utilized a balanced attack throughout the game, exemplified by their 26-6 run to start the second quarter. Coach Chris Finch praised his team’s performance, especially their effective perimeter shooting.

“We shot effectively and made the right decisions with the ball,” Finch said. “Our defense set the tone, and we capitalized on opportunities.”

The Lakers will look to regroup before hosting Game 2 of the series. “We have to dust ourselves off and come back ready to fight,” James said. “This is just one game in a long series.”

With both teams vying for a chance to advance in the playoffs, the stakes are higher than ever. Game 2 is set to take place just days after this shocking upset, as the Lakers aim to equalize the series on their home court in Crypto.com Arena.