When the Minnesota Timberwolves shown enough skill and unity to make Luka Doncic’s playoff debut with the Lakers a landslide victory for the visitors, Anthony Edwards was not at all shocked.
On Saturday night, the Timberwolves defeated Doncic’s 37-point performance 117-95 thanks to 25 points from Jaden McDaniels and 23 points from Naz Reid, who made six 3-pointers.
In the first-round series opening, Edwards scored 22 points, dished out nine assists, and pulled down eight rebounds for the sixth-seeded Wolves, who have won 18 of their last 22 games.
Edwards remarked, “I got a great group of guys,” However, it was not this evening. In training camp, I discovered that. It only takes a minute for our new squad to come together. We only needed a minute to get to know one another, and I think we can just leave now.”
In front of a boisterous LA crowd, Doncic scored 16 points in the first quarter, but the Timberwolves overcame it to take control with a 38–20 second period.
Additionally, they poured it on after halftime.As the Timberwolves made a franchise playoff-record 21 3-pointers on 42 tries, many of which were made without a defender in sight, Julius Randle and Edwards each made four 3-pointers.
“It means Game 1,” stated Chris Finch, the coach of Minnesota. “We are aware that the series will be lengthy. Nothing in Game 2 suggests that it will be this kind of game. The game will be entirely different. We still have a lot. There is a lot of meat on the bone. Many things. I am confident we can perform better.
LeBron James started his 18th NBA postseason with 19 points, but the Wolves’ shooting prowess and playoff poise outscored the third-seeded Lakers. In a playoff game during the past ten years, Minnesota shot 74% off passes (29 for 39), the greatest percentage of any team.
“I think once we got settled, we were able to get a lot of the second side actions going and Julius was able to create for us,” Reid said. “We hit shots. I think we got in the glass a lot. I think we just bought a lot of intensity and effort as well.”
While Los Angeles is still searching for chemistry after acquiring Doncic two months ago, Minnesota is eager to improve on last season’s run to the Western Conference finals.
Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
