Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points, while Naz Reid contributed 23 with six three-pointers. The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Luka Doncic’s Los Angeles Lakers 117-95 in their playoff opener on Saturday night.

Anthony Edwards added 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds during the Timberwolves’ first-round series opener, overcoming Doncic’s 16-point first-quarter onslaught in front of an energetic LA crowd.

The Timberwolves established control in the second quarter with a 38-20 score and continued to dominate after halftime, evidencing their playoff experience and composure. Both Julius Randle and Edwards each made four three-pointers as the team set a franchise playoff record with 21 three-pointers on 42 attempts, many of which were taken with minimal defensive pressure.

LeBron James had 19 points in his 18th postseason start, but the visiting Lakers struggled to match the Timberwolves’ shooting prowess and experience. As Los Angeles seeks to find chemistry following Doncic’s recent acquisition, Minnesota is eager to build on last year’s postseason success.

Game 2 of this best-of-seven series is set for Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

The night marked a significant milestone for Doncic, delivering the 11th-highest scoring playoff game of his career; however, it was insufficient against the Timberwolves’ compelling collective performance. Reid has notably excelled in prior encounters against the Lakers, leading Minnesota’s efforts during the critical middle quarters, even extending their lead to 26 points in the third period.

Despite a late push from the Lakers that closed the deficit to 12 points, the Timberwolves ensured their victory, marking their 18th win in the last 22 contests.