The Minnesota Timberwolves closed out their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a decisive 103-96 victory in Game 5 on April 30, 2025. The win, which took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marked a significant achievement for the Timberwolves, as they advanced to the Western Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Rudy Gobert was the standout performer of the night, dominating the court with a postseason-best 27 points and an impressive 24 rebounds. His performance not only helped his team secure the win but also set a Timberwolves postseason record for rebounds in a game. Gobert's efficiency was remarkable, as he shot an incredible 12-of-15 from the field, showcasing his ability to exploit the Lakers' lack of size.
Despite the Timberwolves' shooting struggles from beyond the arc, where they finished just 7-of-47 (14.9%), Gobert's presence in the paint was overwhelming. Throughout the game, he consistently capitalized on his size advantage over the Lakers' smaller lineup, particularly after the Lakers opted to go small without a traditional center. Gobert's dominance was so pronounced that even his longtime critic, Shaquille O'Neal, acknowledged his performance during halftime commentary, stating, "Rudy Gobert is dominating. Rudy Gobert is dominating and I'm happy for him." This admission from O'Neal, who has often been critical of Gobert, highlighted the big man's impact on the game.
The game started with the Timberwolves establishing an early lead, going up 29-15 in the first quarter. Gobert was instrumental in this surge, scoring nine points in the opening frame. However, the Lakers fought back, narrowing the gap with a strong second-quarter performance. Luka Doncic, who scored a team-high 28 points for the Lakers, played through an apparent lower back injury that forced him to briefly exit the game just before halftime. Despite his struggles, Doncic returned to contribute significantly in the second half.
Rui Hachimura also stepped up for the Lakers, adding 23 points, while LeBron James contributed 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The Lakers, who had been trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, managed to claw their way back into the game, even taking a brief lead in the third quarter. However, the Timberwolves responded with critical plays, including a key layup from Julius Randle, who finished the game with 23 points.
As the game progressed, the Timberwolves maintained their composure, even when the Lakers mounted a late charge. With the score tight in the fourth quarter, Minnesota executed a crucial 6-0 run that included a putback dunk by Gobert and a floater from Randle. This stretch proved to be pivotal, as it allowed the Timberwolves to regain control and ultimately seal the victory.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch praised Gobert's performance, stating, "We knew we had to have it at some point in this series. He was awesome tonight just shedding defenders, nine offensive rebounds, super active on defense, finished extremely well when he had the opportunity." Finch's comments underscored the importance of Gobert's contributions, especially in a game where the Timberwolves struggled offensively.
Despite the loss, Lakers coach JJ Redick remained optimistic about his team's future, highlighting the potential of the Doncic-James partnership. He remarked, "We obviously put ourselves in a position to be in the game three times in the fourth quarter and just came up short every time. But that partnership and relationship was more than solid." Redick's acknowledgment of the challenges faced by his team this season reflects a commitment to growth and improvement.
As the Timberwolves celebrate their advancement to the semifinals, they will now await the winner of the series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, with the Warriors currently leading that matchup 3-2. The prospect of facing either team presents an exciting opportunity for Minnesota, as they look to leverage their depth and size to continue their playoff run.
In conclusion, the Timberwolves' victory over the Lakers not only signifies a successful playoff campaign but also highlights the emergence of Rudy Gobert as a key player in critical moments. With his dominant performance in Game 5, Gobert has silenced many of his critics and proven that he can lead his team to success on the biggest stage. As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on the Timberwolves as they aim for further glory in the Western Conference.
