JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t put together themselves for what the Minnesota Timberwolves threw at them in Sport 1 of the primary spherical of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Saturday night time.
The Lakers acquired off to an excellent begin, main 28-21 after the primary quarter. Nonetheless, the Timberwolves unleashed a barrage of 3-pointers, profitable the final three quarters by stable margins to safe a 117-95 win.
Redick mirrored on the loss after the sport. He conceded to the actual fact this his squad was not bodily prepared for what Minnesota did on either side of the ball all through the night time.
“I am unsure, bodily, we had been prepared, if that is smart. And actually, after they began taking part in with quite a lot of thrust and physicality like we simply did not reply instantly to that. After which that stretch from the beginning of the second by way of 4 or 5 minutes to go within the third, you understand, we misplaced that stretch by 34. So, you understand, that is a blowout,” Redick mentioned.
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JJ Redick’s rationalization was affordable, on condition that the Lakers struggled to be constant on either side of the ball. In consequence, their rhythm collapsed in opposition to the red-hot Timberwolves.
The Lakers shot 39.8% from the sector, attributing to the high-pressure protection the Timberwolves utilized on them after the primary quarter. Talking of Minnesota, they had been profitable on 51.2% of their complete shot makes an attempt, together with 50% from downtown.
Solely three gamers scored in double-digits for Los Angeles. Luka Doncic led the way in which with 37 factors, eight rebounds, two steals, and an help. He shot 12-of-22 from the sector, together with 5-of-10 from past the arc, and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. LeBron James got here subsequent with 19 factors and 5 rebounds whereas Austin Reaves put up 16 factors and three assists.
The Lakers will look to bounce again by night up the sequence of their Sport 2 matchup in opposition to the Timberwolves. The competition will happen on April 22 at 10 p.m. ET.