After the Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a surprising blow to the Los Angeles Lakers, leading by as much as 27 points on the Lakers’ home turf in Game 1 of their playoff series, Anthony Edwards remarked, “No message, man, they still got the Lakers. The Lakers are supposed to win. That’s just how it’s supposed to go. We’re not supposed to be here. So, we’re just going to compete.”
No message, man, they still got the Lakers. The Lakers are supposed to win. That’s just how it’s supposed to go. We’re not supposed to be here. So, we’re just going to compete.
Edwards remained unfazed, while the Timberwolves firmly asserted themselves with a 117-95 victory on Saturday, sending a clear signal: Don’t overlook us.
While the Lakers possess two incredible talents in LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals last season and have come prepared.
The Lakers initially held the lead in the first quarter with Doncic scoring 16 points, but struggled as the game progressed, losing their grip in the second quarter, where the Timberwolves outscored them 38-20.
The spectators at Crypto.com Arena, who began the night with excitement about the Lakers’ home court advantage, felt the atmosphere shift to one of disbelief as the Timberwolves made a franchise playoff-record of 21 three-pointers, thriving on offense and defense.
Edwards ended the game with 22 points, while Jaden McDaniels scored 25, and Naz Reid contributed 23 points, exemplifying a collective effort from the Timberwolves.
Coach Chris Finch noted, “It means Game 1. We know it’s going to be a long series. We’re not under any assumption that it’s going to be this type of game in Game 2. It’ll be a completely different game.”
The Lakers must reassess their approach, hoping that this first game isn’t a harbinger of bigger issues ahead.