Sun Apr 27 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **Timberwolves Take 2-1 Lead Over Lakers in Tense Playoff Battle**
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Minnesota Timberwolves have seized a commanding 2-1 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers after a hard-fought 116-104 victory in Game 3. The series now shifts back to Minneapolis for a crucial Game 4 on Sunday, April 27th.
Despite a 38-point performance from LeBron James, the Timberwolves’ trio of Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle combined for 81 points, overpowering the Lakers’ offense. Edwards and Randle were particularly dominant in the first half of Game 4, combining for 30 points to give Minnesota a 61-58 lead at halftime. Edwards finished the first half with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Randle scored 21 points.
However, the Lakers, led by James’ 22 first-half points and an unexpected 21-point contribution from Luka Dončić, kept the game close. Dončić’s performance was especially noteworthy given he was reportedly dealing with a stomach illness. The Lakers’ bench struggled, contributing only three points in the first half.
Game 4 is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Target Center, with the Timberwolves aiming to push their series lead to 3-1 and inch closer to a stunning first-round upset. The Lakers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to contain the Timberwolves’ high-scoring attack and reignite their bench production to avoid falling behind in the series.
First Piper 