Los Angeles Lakers Suffer 116-104 Loss to Minnesota Timberwolves
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 116-104 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron James continuing his return to full fitness with a game-high 38 points. However, it was not enough to prevent the Lakers from falling behind 2-1 in the Western Conference first round.
According to a report by the BBC, James had 13-for-21 shooting, including three three-pointers in a four-possession span during the fourth quarter. The Lakers’ star player was impressive, but it was the Timberwolves who finished strongly to take the win. Jaden McDaniels scored 30 points and Anthony Edwards added 29 points to lead the Timberwolves to victory.
The hosts went on a 13-1 run over the final four minutes 37 seconds after the score was tied by the Lakers’ Luka Doncic, who registered 17 points despite playing with a stomach illness. Edwards was full of praise for James’ shooting, saying "He was shooting it from Yucatan. He was shooting it crazy."
Lakers coach JJ Redick also noted James’ improving fitness, saying "He’s moving better. It seems like he’s getting healthier by the day." However, despite James’ efforts, the Lakers were unable to secure the win.
In other news, the Milwaukee Bucks have levelled their series against the Indiana Pacers with a 117-101 win. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr each scored 37 points as the Bucks fought back to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Trent Jr started in place of Taurean Prince and restricted Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to 14 points while tying a franchise play-off record with nine three-pointers.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to take a 3-1 lead in the series when they host the Lakers again on Sunday. The Timberwolves’ strong finish to the game was key to their victory, and they will look to build on this momentum in the next game. As the BBC reports, the Bucks will also be looking to take a lead in their series when they host the Pacers.
The Lakers will need to regroup and come back stronger in the next game if they are to stay in the series. With James continuing to improve his fitness, they will be hoping that he can lead them to a much-needed win. The BBC notes that James’ performance was impressive, but it was not enough to secure the win for the Lakers.
Source: BBC Sport
