Timberwolves vs Lakers 117-95: Minnesota dominates LA in Game 1 of NBA Playoffs

Timberwolves dominated Lakers 117–95 in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

The Timberwolves didn’t just defeat the Lakers—they overwhelmed them.

In a highly anticipated Game 1 on Saturday night, Minnesota's superior depth, defence, and physicality exposed the Lakers’ limitations en route to a 117–95 win on the road.

Although Los Angeles jumped to an early eight-point lead in the first quarter behind Luka Doncic, the momentum quickly shifted.

From that point until early in the third quarter, the Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 58–28, effectively taking control of the game.

Anthony Edwards, despite sitting out part of the second half with a cramp, steered the Timberwolves with poise and awareness.

His seven assists were matched by strong defensive plays, including a foul on LeBron James to stop a fast break and a late three-pointer that sealed the result.

Jaden McDaniels finished with 25 points and nine rebounds and was a plus-27 on the floor, while Naz Reid added 23 points, five rebounds, and two blocks off the bench.

The Lakers, featuring Doncic and James, looked disjointed.

Their offence lacked flow, often appearing as if they were trading isolation plays instead of working in tandem. Doncic hit a half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third and opened the fourth with another three, but Minnesota never relinquished control.

A highlight came when Edwards returned and delivered a three after a smooth pass-reset-pass sequence, then pointed directly at Doncic, asserting his comfort and confidence in a hostile road environment.

While the Lakers are expected to respond in future games, they face key questions.

Can they handle the Wolves’ defence, depth, and energy? Minnesota, meanwhile, needs only to stay consistent with this new, cohesive version of itself.

Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs between the two served as a statement: the Timberwolves aren't just contenders—they're the team to beat in this series.