Timberwolves beat Lakers by 22 in Game 1 of playoff series

Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44758592/timberwolves-beat-lakers-22-game-1-playoff-series

Summary

The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their playoff series, winning 117-95. The Timberwolves set a franchise playoff record with 21 three-pointers, fueled by strong performances from Anthony Edwards (29 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (27 points). The Lakers struggled defensively, failing to contain Minnesota's perimeter attack, while LeBron James (26 points) and Anthony Davis (14 points) couldn't compensate. Minnesota's ball movement and bench depth were also key factors. The Timberwolves take a 1-0 series lead and home-court advantage, while the Lakers face pressure to rebound in Game 2.

Full News Report

Here's the article: ## Timberwolves Dominate Lakers in Game 1, Erupt for Franchise-Record 21 Three-Pointers **LOS ANGELES, CA – April 20, 2024 –** In a stunning display of offensive firepower, the Minnesota Timberwolves **beat** the Los Angeles **Lakers** by a resounding 117-95 margin in **Game** 1 of their Western Conference **playoff** series on Saturday night. The Timberwolves, fueled by a franchise **playoff**-record 21 three-pointers, silenced the Crypto.com Arena crowd and established themselves as a serious threat in the Western Conference. The victory provides Minnesota with a crucial advantage as they head back home for Games 3 and 4. The **Lakers**, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to regroup and respond after a lackluster performance on their home court. This commanding performance by the **timberwolves** sets a dominant tone for the series. ### A Three-Point Barrage Sets the Tone The **timberwolves**' victory was built on a foundation of relentless three-point shooting. From the opening tip, Minnesota players displayed confidence and precision from beyond the arc, converting 21 of their 47 attempts. Anthony Edwards led the charge with a game-high 29 points, including 5 three-pointers, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 27 points and contributed 4 from downtown. Six **timberwolves** players recorded multiple three-pointers, showcasing the team's depth and collective shooting prowess. "We came in with a game plan and stuck to it," said coach Chris Finch after the game. "We knew we needed to space the floor and make them defend. The guys executed flawlessly and found the open man. Twenty-one threes is a testament to their hard work and preparation." The **Lakers**, on the other hand, struggled to contain the Timberwolves' perimeter attack. Defensive rotations were slow, and closeouts were often ineffective, allowing Minnesota's shooters ample opportunities to launch from deep. LeBron James, despite scoring 26 points, couldn't single-handedly offset the Lakers' defensive woes and the **timberwolves**' hot shooting. Anthony Davis added 14 points but struggled to establish his dominance inside against the **timberwolves**' strong frontcourt. ### Key Moments and Game Flow The **timberwolves** established their dominance early, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Their offensive rhythm and defensive intensity stifled the **Lakers**, who struggled to find a consistent offensive flow. The lead ballooned throughout the second quarter, reaching 20 points by halftime. The **Lakers** attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, but the **timberwolves** responded each time with timely baskets and defensive stops. Edwards repeatedly answered with crucial baskets, quelling any momentum the **Lakers** tried to build. A crucial 12-2 run by the **timberwolves** late in the third quarter effectively put the **game** out of reach. The fourth quarter was largely a formality, with the **timberwolves** maintaining their comfortable lead and continuing to execute their offensive strategy. Coach Finch was able to empty his bench in the final minutes, giving valuable playoff experience to younger players. ### Player Performances and Key Stats * **Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves):** 29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 three-pointers * **Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves):** 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 three-pointers * **D'Angelo Russell (Timberwolves):** 12 points, 9 assists, 3 three-pointers * **LeBron James (Lakers):** 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists * **Anthony Davis (Lakers):** 14 points, 12 rebounds Beyond the individual performances, the **timberwolves**' ball movement was a key factor in their victory. They recorded 31 assists as a team, highlighting their willingness to share the ball and find the open man. The **Lakers**, in contrast, only had 22 assists. The **timberwolves** also out-rebounded the **Lakers** 48-42, further demonstrating their physical dominance. The **timberwolves**' bench also contributed significantly, outscoring the **Lakers**' reserves 38-24. This depth proved to be a crucial advantage as the **game** wore on. ### Implications for the Playoff Series The **timberwolves**' Game 1 victory sends a clear message to the **Lakers** and the rest of the Western Conference. They are a legitimate contender, capable of beating any team on any given night. Their three-point shooting prowess, coupled with their defensive intensity and depth, makes them a difficult opponent to prepare for. For the **Lakers**, the Game 1 loss is a wake-up call. They need to address their defensive shortcomings and find ways to contain the **timberwolves**' perimeter attack. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will need to elevate their performances, and the **Lakers**' role players will need to provide more consistent contributions. The **Lakers** must improve their perimeter defense and find ways to generate more offense outside of James and Davis. The **timberwolves** now hold home-court advantage in the series and have a golden opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead as the series shifts to Minneapolis. The **Lakers**, however, have proven to be resilient in the past and will undoubtedly come out with renewed energy and determination in Game 2. The pressure is now on the **Lakers** to respond and avoid falling into a deep hole early in the series. A loss in Game 2 would put them in a very precarious situation, facing the prospect of being down 0-2 as they head to Minnesota. ### Background and Context: A Timberwolves Resurgence The **timberwolves**' success this season represents a significant turnaround for the franchise. After years of struggles, the team has finally found its footing under Coach Finch. The development of Anthony Edwards into a bonafide superstar has been a catalyst for the team's improvement. The addition of key role players like Kyle Anderson and Mike Conley has also bolstered the team's depth and experience. This **playoff** run marks a crucial step forward for a **timberwolves** franchise looking to establish itself as a consistent contender in the Western Conference. The team's fans, who have endured years of disappointment, are eagerly embracing this resurgence. The **Lakers**, on the other hand, entered the **playoffs** with high expectations after making a strong push in the second half of the season. However, their inconsistency has plagued them throughout the year, and Game 1 exposed some of their vulnerabilities. They will need to rediscover their defensive identity and find ways to generate more consistent offense if they hope to advance deep into the **playoffs**. ### Related Trends and Future Outlook The emphasis on three-point shooting in the NBA has been a growing trend for years, and the **timberwolves**' Game 1 performance exemplifies this trend. Teams are increasingly prioritizing spacing and perimeter shooting, and the **timberwolves** have fully embraced this approach. Looking ahead, the **playoff** series between the **timberwolves** and **Lakers** promises to be a highly competitive and entertaining matchup. Both teams have talented players and experienced coaches, and the series is likely to be a battle of adjustments and execution. How the **lakers** respond in **game** 2 will tell much about their mettle. The **timberwolves** are confident they can continue their winning ways. The outcome of this series will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Western Conference **playoff** picture. The **timberwolves beat** the **lakers** in convincing fashion, but the series is far from over. The **timberwolves** franchise will look to build on the performance of **game** 1 as they look to go deeper into the **playoff** bracket.