Sun Apr 20 04:03:56 UTC 2025: ## Timberwolves Upset Lakers in Playoff Opener
**Los Angeles, CA** – The Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series, securing a dominant 117-95 victory. Fueled by scorching three-point shooting (21-of-42, 50%) and a balanced offensive attack, the sixth-seeded Timberwolves took control early and never looked back.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Naz Reid also contributed a significant 23 points. The Timberwolves’ bench outscored the Lakers’ 43-13, highlighting Minnesota’s superior depth.
Despite LeBron James’ 19 points and Luka Dončić’s 37 points for the third-seeded Lakers, Los Angeles struggled offensively, shooting just 39.8% from the field. The Lakers also lacked energy and were significantly outperformed in fast-break points (25-6). Austin Reaves added 16 points for the Lakers.
Minnesota’s success continued a strong finish to their regular season and extended their impressive first-round playoff record to 5-0 over the past two seasons. While Edwards briefly left the game with a left leg injury in the third quarter, he returned and the Timberwolves comfortably maintained their lead. Reid also left the game late due to injury.
The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 2 on Tuesday. The Lakers will need a significant turnaround to avoid falling behind 0-2 in the series. Elsewhere in Saturday’s playoff action, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks (117-98), the New York Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons (123-112), and the Denver Nuggets edged the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime (112-110).
First Piper 