Tue Apr 22 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Lakers Vow to Bounce Back After Game 1 Blowout
**EL SEGUNDO, CA** – The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to regroup after a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round playoff series. Following a 117-95 defeat, Lakers coach JJ Redick described Monday’s practice as the best in months, emphasizing the need for improved effort and organization.
Redick admitted the team’s playoff preparation lacked the intensity needed, suggesting more scrimmages could have prevented their flat performance. The film session focused on the Timberwolves’ scorching 3-point shooting (21-of-42), particularly from the corners (9-of-9, many wide open). The Lakers’ defensive lapses, including allowing an average of 8.6 feet of separation between defenders and shooters, were a key focus.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who scored just 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, acknowledged a subpar performance, vowing to be more himself in Game 2. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith similarly attributed his poor performance (3 points on 1-of-5 shooting) to impacting his defensive intensity. He pointed specifically to the need to better defend Naz Reid, who scored 23 points in Game 1.
Redick highlighted the Lakers’ lack of overall organization as a crucial factor in their defeat, stressing the importance of proper spacing, screening, and corner filling. He described the gap in physicality between the two teams as an aberration. Analytics revealed further weaknesses, including a dismal 1-of-8 shooting performance off Luka Dončić passes.
Despite the setback, both Reaves and Redick are confident in the team’s ability to bounce back. They emphasized the need for improved effort, organization, and a more focused approach to even the series in Game 2 at home. The team is committed to addressing its shortcomings and playing with more intensity.
First Piper 