The Minnesota Timberwolves started their NBA Western Conference first-round playoffs with a bang, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 117-95 at Crypto.com Arena.
Sixth-seeded Minnesota was the only visiting team to secure victory in the opening matches of the best-of-seven series.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 25 points, supported by Naz Reid’s 23 off the bench and Anthony Edwards’ all-around performance, tallying 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.
Their dominance was clear as Minnesota held a 27-point lead at one stage.
The Lakers, seeded third, struggled to match Minnesota’s intensity, despite strong individual performances from Luka Doncic, who top-scored with 37 points in his postseason debut for the Lakers, and LeBron James, who added 19 points after a scoreless first quarter.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized his team’s readiness but lamented their inability to respond to the Timberwolves’ physicality. “I thought our spirit was right. But when they started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn’t respond immediately,” Redick said.
In the other Western Conference clash, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic inspired the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 112-110 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers, overcoming an early 15-point deficit. Jokic’s 29 points, along with contributions from Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook, proved pivotal.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks pulled away in the final quarter to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-112, marking Detroit’s first playoff appearance since 2019. Jalen Brunson shone for the Knicks with 23 of his 34 points coming in the second half.
The Indiana Pacers also claimed victory, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98 despite two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 36 points.
