Any hopes of a late-series turnaround for the Los Angeles Lakers are hanging by a thread after Friday’s 116-113 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving them on the brink of elimination in their first-round playoff series. The Lakers seized the edge with a 10-point lead entering the fourth quarter. However, they could not sustain their momentum as the Timberwolves rallied behind Anthony Edwards’ 43 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Luka Doncic delivered 38 points—his third 30-point outing of the series, while LeBron James poured in 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, despite failing to score in the final period.
Rui Hachimura finished with 23 points and five rebounds, while Austin Reaves scored 17 points and added seven boards and four assists in 35 minutes.
After the game, Reaves was asked about the Lakers approach with the team now in desperate need of a win in Game 5.
“Anytime you have an opportunity to lace them up and play again, you’re not out of it,” he said. “The sun will come up tomorrow and we still got another day to fight.”
The Lakers have now lost three of four games in this series and must win their next outing simply to stay alive. Coach JJ Redick and his staff will pore over missed opportunities to close out the game, defensive breakdowns that allowed Minnesota to seize control down the stretch, and turnovers—Los Angeles coughed up 12 in Game 4.
With Game 5 set for Wednesday back at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers will hope to make the most of their home-court advantage to force a crucial Game 6. A victory would briefly extend the series; anything less would end Los Angeles’ season.
