The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a big step toward the playoff quarterfinals. Thanks to a comeback in the final quarter and an outstanding performance by Anthony Edwards, they also won their second home game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers had their work cut out for them after their clear defeat in their first away game in Minnesota. However, there was some positive news before tip-off: Luka Doncic, who had played Game 3 with a cold, seemed to be back to full health.
The Slovenian made that clear right away on the court. Doncic dominated the first quarter with 13 points, punishing the Timberwolves with drives, stepbacks and free throws. As in previous games, he primarily acted as a scorer and left the playmaking to LeBron James (27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists), which clearly suited him well.
Nevertheless, neither team gave much away. The Timberwolves’ stars also delivered. Edwards had 19 points at the break, Randle even 23. It was the latter who converted a step-back three-pointer at the buzzer to give his team the lead (61-58).
As at the start of the game, the Lakers came out of the locker room stronger after the break. Reaves (17), who had not scored any points up to that point, now hit two three-pointers in a row, and Rui Hachimura (23, 5/10 3PT) also blossomed with ten points in the quarter. Minnesota’s offense now looked increasingly disjointed. Anthony Edwards (43, 12/23) kept his team in the game with his explosiveness. However, his team was still trailing by ten points (94:84) going into the final twelve minutes.
Timberwolves turn the game around in the final quarter
However, that was about to change quickly. Edwards took control, hitting three three-pointers in the first three minutes. Three successful free throws from Ant-Man gave Minnesota its first lead since the second quarter with four minutes remaining.
The final three minutes were highly dramatic. The lead changed hands between the two teams several times. A layup plus foul by DiVincenzo put the home team four points ahead (111-107). Three-pointers by Reaves and Finney-Smith turned the momentum back around. The game seemed to be slipping away from Minnesota when Edwards slipped on a drive against LeBron but vehemently demanded a challenge. It would prove to be the turning point of crunch time: the challenge was successful. LeBron was correctly called for a foul, and Edwards converted the ensuing two free throws to seal the victory.
The Timberwolves now lead the series against the Lakers 3-1. The next game will take place on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The Californians are now playing for their place in the playoffs.
