Anthony Edwards kept his composure after leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a decisive 117-95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round. As he walked to the locker room, the young star summed up his mindset in nine words: "It’s not big at all, man. Just Game 1."
The Timberwolves overcame a slow start, trailing 28-21 after the first quarter, before flipping the script with a dominant performance the rest of the way. Their ability to control both ends of the floor after halftime sealed the blowout victory on the Lakers' home court.
Minnesota Timberwolves' offensive explosion overwhelms the Los Angeles Lakers
Minnesota Timberwolves' offense caught fire in the final three quarters, shooting 51.2% from the field and an impressive 50% from three-point range. Their perimeter shooting proved too much for Los Angeles to handle, as the Timberwolves drained 21 threes in the game.
Jaden McDaniels led the scoring charge with 25 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from deep. Naz Reid added 23 points, while Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and nine assists. Julius Randle rounded out the double-digit scorers with 16 points.
Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 1 overview
On April 19, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs and suffered a heavy 117-95 defeat. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 37 points and 8 rebounds, but the team struggled overall, shooting just 39.8% from the field. The Timberwolves dominated with a 50% three-point shooting mark and strong physical play, outscoring the Lakers significantly in the paint and on fast breaks.
Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and 9 assists despite a brief injury scare. Minnesota took control in the second quarter and never relinquished the lead, building it to as much as 27 points. The Lakers now face a tough series ahead as they regroup for Game 2 at home.
What comes next for the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves will look to extend their series lead when they face the Los Angeles Lakers again in Game 2 on April 22 at 10 p.m. ET. Stealing a second road win would put Minnesota in a commanding position before the series shifts to their home court.
While the Lakers are expected to adjust after their Game 1 struggles, the Timberwolves have already made a statement by securing home-court advantage early. Anthony Edwards' calm demeanor suggests Minnesota is focused on the bigger picture rather than celebrating a single playoff win.
Also read: Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick faces major backlash from Lakers fans after playoff loss to Minnesota Timberwolves: "Fire Redick! He is trash!"
While the Lakers are expected to adjust after their Game 1 struggles, the Timberwolves have already made a statement by securing home-court advantage early. Anthony Edwards' calm demeanor suggests Minnesota is focused on the bigger picture rather than celebrating a single playoff win.
The Timberwolves overcame a slow start, trailing 28-21 after the first quarter, before flipping the script with a dominant performance the rest of the way. Their ability to control both ends of the floor after halftime sealed the blowout victory on the Lakers' home court.
Minnesota Timberwolves' offensive explosion overwhelms the Los Angeles Lakers
Minnesota Timberwolves' offense caught fire in the final three quarters, shooting 51.2% from the field and an impressive 50% from three-point range. Their perimeter shooting proved too much for Los Angeles to handle, as the Timberwolves drained 21 threes in the game.
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards after blowout win over Lakers in Game 1: “It’s not big at all, man. Just Game 1.” pic.twitter.com/vMHWfizoN4
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 20, 2025
Jaden McDaniels led the scoring charge with 25 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from deep. Naz Reid added 23 points, while Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and nine assists. Julius Randle rounded out the double-digit scorers with 16 points.
Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 1 overview
On April 19, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs and suffered a heavy 117-95 defeat. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 37 points and 8 rebounds, but the team struggled overall, shooting just 39.8% from the field. The Timberwolves dominated with a 50% three-point shooting mark and strong physical play, outscoring the Lakers significantly in the paint and on fast breaks.
Anthony Edwards contributed 22 points and 9 assists despite a brief injury scare. Minnesota took control in the second quarter and never relinquished the lead, building it to as much as 27 points. The Lakers now face a tough series ahead as they regroup for Game 2 at home.
What comes next for the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves will look to extend their series lead when they face the Los Angeles Lakers again in Game 2 on April 22 at 10 p.m. ET. Stealing a second road win would put Minnesota in a commanding position before the series shifts to their home court.
While the Lakers are expected to adjust after their Game 1 struggles, the Timberwolves have already made a statement by securing home-court advantage early. Anthony Edwards' calm demeanor suggests Minnesota is focused on the bigger picture rather than celebrating a single playoff win.
Also read: Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick faces major backlash from Lakers fans after playoff loss to Minnesota Timberwolves: "Fire Redick! He is trash!"
While the Lakers are expected to adjust after their Game 1 struggles, the Timberwolves have already made a statement by securing home-court advantage early. Anthony Edwards' calm demeanor suggests Minnesota is focused on the bigger picture rather than celebrating a single playoff win.
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