The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to punch their ticket to the next round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Game 5 of their first-round series.
Minnesota holds a 3-1 series lead after a thrilling 116-113 victory in Game 4 on Sunday. The Wolves erased a 12-point deficit late in the third quarter and once again dominated the final period – a recurring theme this series. Through four games, Minnesota has outscored the Lakers 105-69 in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Edwards starred once again with a spectacular 43-point performance that powered the comeback. Julius Randle added 25 points, while Jaden McDaniels delivered in crunch time with a three-point play and a steal on back-to-back possessions.
Composure in critical moments has been a defining trait of this Timberwolves squad, something head coach Chris Finch emphasized after Tuesday’s practice. “There’s been no panic,” Finch said. “We’ve just kept trusting each other.”
Despite the 3-1 advantage, Finch made it clear the team remains focused. “We know we have a lot of work left to do,” he stated. Veteran guard Mike Conley echoed that sentiment: “This is going to be the hardest game we’ll have to play. Our mindset has to be that this is the most important game of the season.”
That mentality starts with Edwards, who is averaging 33.5 points per game in the series and continues to lead by example with his energy and drive. “He’s the engine,” said Conley. “We go as he goes.”
What time is Game 5 between the Lakers and Timberwolves?
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- How to watch Lakers vs Timberwolves
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network (local), TNT, truTV
- Streaming: Max, truTV
- Radio: iHeartRadio (Timberwolves channel), Timberwolves app, KFAN 100.3 FM
- Broadcast Team: Michael Grady and Jim Petersen (TV), Alan Horton (radio)
The Timberwolves are aiming for a third straight win to close out the series, while the Lakers are fighting to stay alive and force a Game 6. With Edwards’ dominant play and Minnesota’s strong finishes, the Wolves come in confident but focused, knowing the job is not done yet.
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