Jaden McDaniels delivered a standout performance, scoring 30 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 116-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. This win gave the Timberwolves a 2-1 advantage in their first-round series. Anthony Edwards contributed 29 points, while Julius Randle added 22. The Timberwolves dominated the final minutes, outscoring the Lakers 13-1 after Luka Doncic’s tying shot.
LeBron James was pivotal for the Lakers, scoring 38 points despite Doncic’s illness. James made three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter but struggled later, missing a key shot with just over a minute left. Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
Austin Reaves scored 20 points for the Lakers, hitting five of his eleven three-point attempts. Despite their shooting success, the Lakers committed 19 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 28 points. Randle was particularly motivated for his first home playoff game with Minnesota, excelling at both ends of the court.
McDaniels played a crucial role in defending Doncic, who had a slow start and managed only eight points by halftime. McDaniels’ defensive prowess was evident throughout the game as he consistently pressured Doncic.
In another matchup, Gary Trent Jr. equalled a franchise playoff record with nine three-pointers as he scored 37 points for Milwaukee Bucks in their win over Indiana Pacers. Giannis Antetokounmpo also scored 37 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as Milwaukee won 117-101 to reduce Indiana’s series lead to 2-1.
The Pacers led by ten at halftime before Trent’s shooting spree helped Milwaukee level scores early in the third quarter. The Bucks then took control and extended their lead to as much as twenty in the final period.
The Orlando Magic secured a narrow victory against Boston Celtics with Franz Wagner scoring 32 points and Paolo Banchero adding 29 in their team’s win. This result cut Boston’s series lead to 2-1. Jayson Tatum returned from injury to score an impressive 36 points for Boston.
The Celtics had a strong start but faltered during the third quarter when they managed only eleven points. Despite rallying late on Derrick White’s layup, Wagner’s decisive plays ensured Orlando held on for a tight win.
Tatum led Boston early with twenty-one first-half points but struggled alongside his teammates during an extended shooting slump that saw them miss seventeen of nineteen shots at one point. The Magic will host Game Four on Sunday as they aim to level this closely contested series.
