The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their first-round NBA playoff series with a dominant 117–95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, catching many by surprise at Crypto.com Arena. Despite facing the star-studded Lakers, Anthony Edwards controlled the tempo from the second quarter onward, delivering a statement performance to take a 1–0 lead.
Minnesota played with total confidence, showing discipline on both ends of the floor. Their defensive intensity disrupted the Lakers’ rhythm, while their ball movement and perimeter shooting put constant pressure on LA. Anthony Edwards set the tone, leading with poise rather than volume scoring.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a wire-to-wire dismantling. The Wolves shot 50% from beyond the arc (21-for-42) and never allowed the Lakers to gain momentum. Each time LA tried to close the gap, Minnesota responded with a timely three or a defensive stop, making the game feel out of reach by the third quarter.
Edwards shrugs off LA pressure
Anthony Edwards didn’t just lead his team with 22 points and nine assists—he looked entirely unfazed by the spotlight of Los Angeles. The Crypto.com Arena crowd, playoff expectations, and the Lakers’ marquee names didn’t rattle him. Instead, he thrived.
Speaking postgame, Edwards made it clear the moment wasn’t too big for him. “An atmosphere like this, it’s easy for me, man. I’ve played in Denver, man. Denver is a tough place to play on the road. So I mean, it was nothing,” he said. His maturity and calm were central to the Wolves’ impressive composure.
Reporters also asked if he had a message for critics who doubted Minnesota’s playoff chances. Edwards didn’t bite. “No message, man… They still got the Lakers. The Lakers supposed to win. That’s just how it’s supposed to go. We’re not supposed to be here, so we just going to compete to the best of our ability,” he said on ESPN. It’s that underdog mindset that’s powering this team’s fearless approach.
Doncic can’t do it alone
While the Timberwolves showcased a balanced and cohesive game plan, the Lakers relied too heavily on Luka Doncic. The NBA All-Star guard had his moments, but outside of his individual brilliance, the rest of the Lakers’ offense fell flat against Minnesota’s swarming defense.
Doncic was left trying to do everything—score, create, lead—and Minnesota made sure his supporting cast was neutralized. The result was a one-dimensional attack from the Lakers, who couldn’t keep up with the Timberwolves’ collective execution and energy.
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In the aftermath, Doncic reportedly plans to involve his teammates more in Game 2, hoping to shift into a more distributing role. But if the Lakers can’t generate more help around him, they’ll struggle to match Minnesota’s pace, depth, and confidence. With Edwards in control and the Wolves firing on all cylinders, LA has real adjustments to make before Tuesday night.