Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Gameday > Recap: Timberwolves Make Statement With Dominant Game 1 Win Over Lakers
Gameday

Recap: Timberwolves Make Statement With Dominant Game 1 Win Over Lakers

Daniel Starkand
Published: 04/19/2025
4 Min Read
Jaden McDaniels, Luka Doncic, Lakers, Timberwolves
Apr 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) iand Minnesota Timberwolves guard Joe Ingles (7) reach for a loose ball in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
SHARE

For the first time since 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers opened up a playoff series at Crypto.com Arena as they hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first round series.

These two teams are evenly matchup on paper, which should make for a fun series. In Game 1 though, it was the Timberwolves that made a statement with a dominant 117-95 victory on the road.

In his first playoff game with the Lakers, Luka Doncic kicked off the scoring by getting to the free throw line, draining a step-back triple and then a layup to take a 6-0 lead.

Anthony Edwards got the Timberwolves on the board, but Rui Hachimura then hit a pair of 3-pointers to keep the Lakers out in front early.

Doncic and Hachimura had the first 20 points for L.A. until Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith came off the bench and both made triples to give their team a 28-21 lead at the end of the first.

Jaden McDaniels scored five straight points to begin the second quarter as Minnesota had a nice response, taking their first lead after a Naz Reid triple.

LeBron James ended a long drought for the Lakers with a three-point play for his first bucket. Defensive rebounding was an issue for L.A. though and the Timberwolves took advantage by getting hot from deep to stretch their lead to double digits.

After a much-needed timeout, Doncic found Hachimura for an open 3. For some reason though, the Lakers kept leaving Reid open in the corner and he made them pay. Donte DiVincenzo then hit a deep triple to beat the halftime buzzer, sending the Lakers into the locker room with a 59-48 deficit.

The Timberwolves picked up where they left off to begin the third quarter, scoring 11 straight points to force a Lakers timeout. Edwards hadn’t really gotten going to that point but he joined in on the fun from deep as Minnesota kept pouring it on.

The Lakers finally showed some life at the end of the third quarter with a 10-0 run, and Doncic then hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to cut the deficit to 94-78 going into the fourth.

Doncic hit another 3 to begin the fourth as momentum continued to shift in L.A.’s favor. After dealing with some cramps, Edwards returned and hit a pair of massive shots for his team. That took the momentum right back as Minnesota hit some big shots to close out an easy win.

What’s next for the Lakers…

The Lakers and Timberwolves will get a couple of days off before Game 2 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night. The series will then shift to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles LakersMinnesota Timberwolves
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?