After a round Opening Night showing against the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in a rematch of their first round playoff series.
The Timberwolves infamously beat the Lakers in five games, dominating them on both ends of the floor. Minnesota returned largely the same roster, meaning they would have the size advantage of Los Angeles who was shorthanded as Jaxson Hayes was ruled out for the game.
After a high-scoring first quarter where the Timberwolves established a lead, the Lakers came roaring back behind an electric offensive performance to earn their first win of the 2025-26 season with a resounding 128-110 victory.
Luka Doncic kicked off the start of the regular season with a bang as he exploded for 42 points in the loss to the Warriors, and he followed it up with an even more masterful performance against Minnesota. Doncic got off to another hot start, scoring 17 first quarter points behind a bevy of baskets in the paint and beyond the arc.
Doncic continued to dismantle the Timberwolves defense by scoring over defenders and whipping passes to teammates whenever he was doubled. Minnesota truly had no answers for Doncic as he scored each time they tried to climb back into the game.
At one point, head coach JJ Redick allowed Doncic to stay in the game to try and score 50 points but he fell just short. However, Los Angeles will happily take a 49-point eruption from Doncic who is cementing his status as the early MVP favorite. Doncic shot 14-of-23 from the field and 16-of-19 from the free throw line to go along with 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Doncic has totaled 92 points through his first two games this season, surpassing Michael Jordan (91 points) for the fourth-most points scored in the first two games of a season in NBA history.
Austin Reaves also looked to avenge the playoff loss to Minnesota as he was aggressive looking for his own shot. While Doncic controlled the offense in the first half, Reaves took it upon himself to lead Los Angeles when the former got into foul trouble.
Reaves was able to generate almost any shot he wanted and he specifically enjoyed his matchups with Naz Reid on the perimeter. Reaves was the perfect co-star for Doncic, recording 25 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.
Marcus Smart also changed the tenor of the game in the second quarter with his hustle on the defensive end. Smart only scored three points, but his impact was felt throughout the evening.
What’s next for the Lakers
The Lakers will head on the road for the first time this season and have a back-to-back set starting on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. They’ll then return home to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.
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