The NBA Playoffs are well underway as every first-round series is at least two games deep.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, they used Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves to even out the series 1-1 before heading on the road for Game 3 and Game 4.
JJ Redick’s squad looked much more prepared in Game 2, securing a big 94-85 win over the Timberwolves.
The Lakers had a new level of intensity en route to evening out the series, something they didn’t have in Game 1.
Luka Doncic was brilliant for the Lakers, scoring 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting, adding 12 rebounds and nine assists as a plus-12 in the box score.
Defensively, Los Angeles forced any Minnesota player not named Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle to struggle from the field.
A good first-quarter start was pivotal to Redick’s squad, and that could very well be the case in Game 3 as the Lakers will be on the road.
One key Lakers member will be impacted as the series moves to Minneapolis, however.
Ahead of Game 3, Redick announced that Lakers starter Rui Hachimura will be available, though he is dealing with a face injury suffered in Game 2.
“JJ Redick said Rui Hachimura is good to go for Game 3 at Minnesota after taking a shot to the face early in Game 2, returning to the action and getting checked after the game. He’ll wear a mask in Game 3,” Mike Trudell shared on X.
Hachimura took a big hit in the Lakers’ last game, causing him to exit the game before re-entering following an exam.
The face injury won’t leave the Japanese star out of the coming playoff contest between the two sides, but he will wear a mask for precautionary reasons.
