The Timberwolves spoiled Luka Doncic’s playoff debut with the Lakers. The point guard scored 37 points, 16 of them in the first quarter, but they were far from enough against the physicality and accuracy of a rival that takes home-court advantage at the first opportunity (95-117).
With his performance, the Slovenian player equaled George Mikan for the second-best scoring mark in franchise history in a debut in the title series. Only Shaquille O’Neal, who scored 46 points in 1997, had more. Impossible that it would serve as consolation.
Doncic was the only thing that was saved from a Los Angeles team that was well below what was expected and will have to work hard to be in the second round. It was expected to be so, although the derailment is surprising in form, not in substance.
In the first quarter we played as usual, with a lot of intensity. Then, we just let go. We have to be much more physical
The Wolves came in on a roll after winning 18 of their last 22 regular season games, but no one expected the Lakers to only hold on for the first quarter (28-21). After that, they were a punching bag at the hands of the Timberwolves, led by Jaden McDaniels (25 points), Naz Reid (23 with six triples) and Anthony Edwards (22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds).
“In the first quarter we played as usual, with a lot of intensity. Everyone was focused and then we just let go. So we have to be much more physical,” analyzed Luka Doncic, who dished out only one assist for five turnovers and hit a three-pointer from half court to close the third quarter with a clear 78-94 deficit.
Sewn with three-pointers
In the second period, a 6-26 run dislocated the Lakers (34-47). Lacking intensity, always a step behind on defense, always late to everything… The Wolves took advantage of this to sew them up with three-pointers. They finished with 21/42, which is a franchise record in the playoffs.
“We have a lot of work to do and I know we can do better,” warned Minnesota coach Chris Finch. At halftime, a long three-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo at the buzzer made it 48-59 and set off alarm bells in the crowded crypto.com Arena. They would not be turned off again.
LeBron James left better numbers than sensations. He scored 19 points, but did not give the impression of feeling comfortable. But much worse was the performance of his teammates, who gave so much to the Lakers on other occasions. Between him and Doncic they shot 20/40 from the field while the rest of the team was a meager 13/43. Austin Reaves (16 points) appeared when the game already seemed like an uphill battle.
“This Minnesota team is going to be physical. It took us a game to figure that out. They took home court advantage away from us, but we have to control the controllable and if we do that we’ll have a much better chance of winning,” said LeBron.
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