Timberwolves Dominate as Doncic’s Lakers Playoff Debut Falls Flat

LOS ANGELES, CA — Anthony Edwards wasn’t surprised. The Minnesota Timberwolves had the talent, chemistry, and confidence to spoil Luka Doncic’s highly anticipated playoff debut with the Lakers — and they delivered.

Jaden McDaniels led the charge with 25 points, while Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid chipped in 23, including six shots from beyond the arc, powering Minnesota to a dominant 117-95 win in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday night.

Edwards added 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, nearly notching a triple-double as the sixth-seeded Wolves cruised to their 18th win in their last 22 games.

Despite a blistering 16-point first quarter from Doncic, who finished with 37 in his first playoff game since joining the Lakers two months ago, the Timberwolves stayed composed. They seized control with a 38-20 run in the second quarter and never looked back.

Minnesota caught fire from deep, setting a franchise playoff record with 21 made three-pointers on 42 attempts — many of them uncontested. Edwards and Julius Randle each knocked down four threes as the Timberwolves silenced the home crowd with relentless shot-making.

LeBron James scored 19 points in his 18th postseason appearance, but the third-seeded Lakers struggled to keep up with Minnesota’s rhythm and resilience.

While the Lakers are still adjusting to their new lineup post-Doncic trade, the Timberwolves are focused on building off last season’s trip to the Western Conference Finals.

Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will look to regroup and even the series.