MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Timberwolves have shifted into high gear, stunning the Los Angeles Lakers with a thrilling 116-113 victory in Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Jaden McDaniels was the hero of the night, converting a crucial three-point play with just 39.5 seconds remaining and then stealing the ensuing inbounds pass from LeBron James, sealing the win for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards led the charge for Minnesota, scoring 43 points in a standout performance, marking his first time leading the team in scoring during this playoff series. Julius Randle contributed significantly with 25 points, while McDaniels added a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Timberwolves.
The game was a rollercoaster, especially in the second half. The Lakers, who had built a 12-point lead late in the third quarter, saw it evaporate as Minnesota rallied back, demonstrating their tenacity and composure under pressure. Luka Doncic, who had been battling a stomach bug, bounced back with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting, but his fourth-quarter struggles, where he went just 1 for 6, proved costly for Los Angeles.
LeBron James also had a solid outing, finishing with 27 points and 12 rebounds, marking his 144th career double-double in the playoffs, a record that surpasses the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, placing him third in all-time playoff double-doubles behind Tim Duncan and Magic Johnson. Despite his impressive stats, James was held scoreless in the fourth quarter, a critical period where the Lakers needed him the most.
The Lakers started the third quarter with a bang, launching a 14-0 run that seemed to put them in control of the game. Austin Reaves, who had struggled in the first half due to foul trouble, found his rhythm, hitting back-to-back three-pointers that briefly gave the Lakers a lead late in the game. However, the Timberwolves responded with poise, with Edwards drawing a foul on James during a drive to the lane with only 10 seconds left, converting both free throws to give Minnesota the lead.
Despite the loss, Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged that his team had opportunities but was hindered by turnovers. Los Angeles committed 19 turnovers that led to 28 points for the Timberwolves, a statistic that Reaves pointed out post-game as detrimental to their chances. “They won the possession battle. And then our 19 turnovers for 28 points. It’s hard to win anytime you give up double-digit more opportunities to score,” Reaves stated, emphasizing the need for improvement ahead of their next game.
Now, the Lakers face a win-or-go-home scenario as they prepare for Game 5 on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The urgency is palpable, and the team knows they must rectify their mistakes to keep their playoff hopes alive. As Reaves noted, the mood in the locker room remains positive, with players confident they can bounce back. “We see the spots where we have to be better to win games and we’ll have to fix that on Wednesday,” he remarked.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are riding high on their recent success, having outscored the Lakers in the fourth quarter of every game in this series by a staggering total of 105-69. Coach Chris Finch praised his team's ability to remain calm under pressure, stating, “It’s been a hallmark of this team in the second half of the season: There’s been no panic.”
As the series shifts back to Los Angeles, the Lakers will need to harness their home-court advantage and rally together to avoid elimination. The stakes couldn't be higher, and fans are eager to see how this dramatic playoff series unfolds. The Timberwolves are poised to capitalize on their momentum, while the Lakers must dig deep to keep their championship aspirations alive.
In summary, the Timberwolves have demonstrated their resilience and skill in this series, while the Lakers must confront their challenges head-on if they hope to extend their playoff run. With Game 5 on the horizon, the excitement and tension are set to reach new heights.
