The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an early postseason hole after falling 117-95 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Despite a strong performance from Luka Doncic, who poured in 37 points on 12-of-22 shooting, the Lakers were outmatched on both ends of the floor.
The Timberwolves, who split the regular season series 2-2 with Los Angeles, showed just how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points, while Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards combined for 45 points.
The Wolves pulled away after the first quarter and never looked back, burying the Lakers under a barrage of threes and outplaying them defensively.
After reviewing film of the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t shy away from calling out the shortcomings.
“We have to do a lot of things better, and it starts with playing harder and being more organized,” Redick said, via The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
Redick pointed to a lack of discipline and cohesion on both ends of the floor. While Minnesota’s energy and shot-making were evident, the Lakers’ breakdowns defensively were particularly glaring. The Timberwolves knocked down open shots from the perimeter, often finding wide-open looks due to rotations breaking down.
Redick also addressed the defensive lapses that allowed Minnesota to find rhythm from deep, clarifying that they weren’t necessarily a result of the Lakers’ coverages on Anthony Edwards.
With Game 2 set for Tuesday night, the Lakers will need to make quick adjustments. A loss would send the series back to Minnesota with the Timberwolves holding a commanding 2-0 lead—something Redick and company will be desperate to avoid.
