Timberwolves Set Tone Early with Record-Smashing Shooting Performance
The 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off with fireworks as the Minnesota Timberwolves rolled into Los Angeles and left the Lakers stunned in their own house. That 117-95 victory wasn’t just another opening game — it was a statement backed by numbers that will haunt Lakers fans and thrill anyone rooting for the Wolves. The Timberwolves set a new playoff franchise record by drilling 21 out of their 42 three-point shots, carving up the Lakers' defense with relentless accuracy that left the crowd at Crypto.com Arena in disbelief.
Jaden McDaniels stepped up in a big way with 25 points, showing off a well-rounded scoring touch. Naz Reid joined the party, knocking down six threes for his 23 points. Anthony Edwards fell just shy of a triple-double, stuffing the box score with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. The Timberwolves’ ball movement sliced through the Lakers’ rotations — when the Lakers collapsed in the paint, the ball zipped back out for another open triple. This wasn’t just hot shooting; it was systematic dismantling.
Lakers Overwhelmed Despite Doncic’s Heroics
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic tried to put the team on his back, pouring in a game-high 37 points. But as he tried to keep LA within reach, the defensive gaps only got wider. The Lakers simply couldn’t close out on shooters, and every missed rotation cost them dearly. Minnesota’s blistering 38-20 run in the second quarter sucked the energy out of the building and buried the Lakers under an avalanche of made threes.
The Timberwolves keep riding the wave of a late-season surge, now boasting 18 wins in their last 22 games. Everyone knew they had momentum, but Game 1 showed they’re more than just hot — they’re locked in, dangerous, and not intimidated by the bright lights of the playoffs.
With the next battle set for Game 2, all eyes will be on how (or if) the Lakers can reshape their defense and slow down a Wolves squad that just proved they can rain fire from deep. The series is far from over, but if Minnesota’s three-point machine keeps humming, the Lakers have some serious adjustments to make.
The game aired live on ABC and was streamed across ESPN+, NBA League Pass, and YouTube TV. The drama continues soon, with the stakes for both squads only getting higher.
