๐ 2025 NBA Playoffs Blog
Lakers vs. Timberwolves – Game 1 Recap: Minnesota Sends a Message
Published: April 23, 2025 | By Bobby
๐จ A Rough Start for the Lakers
The 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off with fireworks as the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their first-round matchup. Final score? 117–95, and it wasn’t even that close.
From the jump, the Timberwolves played like the hungrier, more prepared team. After a tight first quarter, they exploded in the second, outscoring the Lakers 38-20—and never looked back.
๐ฅ Timberwolves Are Locked In
Minnesota looked like a well-oiled machine.
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Jaden McDaniels was all over the place with 25 points & 9 rebounds
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Naz Reid came off the bench firing, dropping 23 points and nailing 6 threes
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And of course, Anthony Edwards? Nearly a triple-double with 22 points, 9 assists, and 8 boards
But the real dagger? The Timberwolves shot 50% from three (21-of-42). You just can’t let that happen in the playoffs.
๐ก Lakers Rely Too Much on Luka
This was Luka Donฤiฤ’s big playoff debut as a Laker—and he did not disappoint individually:
LeBron James added 19 points, but something felt off. The team lacked flow, lacked hustle, and honestly, looked flat-footed.
Even Lakers legend Magic Johnson chimed in, tweeting, “You can’t win playoff games with no energy or urgency. Period.”
๐ง Redick’s First Big Test
First-year head coach JJ Redick now faces his first real pressure moment. His game plan didn’t slow down Minnesota at all, and the Lakers’ defense was porous—especially against the three.
Dorian Finney-Smith put it best:
“We gave them way too many clean looks. That has to change—fast.”
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Game 2: Do or Die?
Game 2 is set for April 22 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Let’s be honest: It’s a must-win for the Lakers.
Going down 0-2 before heading to Minnesota could be a death sentence in this series.
Here’s what needs to happen:
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Luka needs help—especially from the bench
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Lakers need to contest those perimeter shots
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And Redick needs to make adjustments—fast
๐ Final Word
This series could define the Lakers' season—or end it early. For Minnesota? It’s a golden chance to show they belong among the West's elite.
Game 1 sent a message.
Game 2? That’s about who’s really listening.
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