Best first-round NBA playoff matchups
The For The Hoops crew discuss the most exciting first-round NBA playoff series, including Lakers vs. Timberwolves and Rockets vs. Warriors.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will play what could be a pivotal Game 3 in their first-round NBA playoff series on Friday night.
The Timberwolves got off to an ideal start in the series, posting an impressive 117-95 road win that spoiled the Lakers’ home-court advantage. Even with Luka Doncic putting up 37 points, Minnesota dominated the final three quarters to take a series lead, with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid all scoring over 20 points.
However, the Lakers showed what they’re made of in Game 2, tightening up on defense in a 94-85 victory. The Timberwolves shot 51% from the field in the first meeting, but were held to just 38% in Tuesday’s contest. Doncic went off again, missing a triple-double by just one assist (31 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists).
Here’s how to watch Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Timberwolves and Lakers:
Halftime: Lakers 58, Timberwolves 54
The 40-year-old LeBron James is turning back the clock again. In the first half, he had 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting along with six rebounds and a couple of assists.
Trailing by as many as nine points in the first quarter, the Lakers surged back thanks largely to James.
His sterling performance was especially timely with Doncic suffering from “an upset stomach and low energy,’’ according to ESPN’s Lisa Salters. Doncic has looked sluggish with eight points on 3-of-9 shooting and missed his first four 3s.
His first successful 3 came with 5.7 seconds in the half and gave the Lakers a 58-54 lead. Lakers guard Austin Reaves has four 3-pointers and 14 points.
The Timberwolves aren’t exactly rolling over.
Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels have 14 apiece. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has 12 but has yet to show his dominance.
The Lakers finally have found an offensive rhythm after struggles in Game 1 and 2. They’re shooting 52.4 percent (22-of-42) from the floor and 42.9 percent (9-of-21) from 3-point range.
1Q: Timberwolves 32, Lakers 26
The Timberwolves trailed after the first quarter in Games 1 and 2. That trend has ended.
Minnesota made its first six shots and rode an 11-0 run to a 15-7 lead. The Lakers clawed back, pulling within a point. But soon enough the Timberwolves were off and running again.
Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle led Minnesota with eight points apiece. LeBron James and Austin Reaves led Los Angeles with six points each.
ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Luka Doncic has “an upset stomach and low energy.’’ In the first quarter, Doncic was 1-for-6 shooting for two points.
Rui HachimuraLeBron JamesJaxson HayesAustin ReavesLuka DoncicMike ConleyAnthony EdwardsJaden McDanielsJulius RandleRudy GobertWhat time is Lakers vs. Timberwolves Friday?
Game 3 of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves is set to start at 9:30 p.m. ET at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How to watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves NBA playoff game: TV, streamTime: 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PTLocation: Target Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)TV: ESPNStream: Fubo, ESPN+, YouTube TV
Watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 3 on Fubo