Los Angeles Lakers outshine Timberwolves to level playoff series

Luka Doncic scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out nine assists, while LeBron James added 21 points and 11 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 on Tuesday night in Lagos, levelling their NBA Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece.

Slovenian star Doncic, who joined the Lakers in a significant February trade, spearheaded a much-improved effort from Los Angeles after their disappointing blowout loss in the series opener.

The Lakers established an early 10-point lead and maintained a double-digit advantage for the majority of the game, holding off a late push from the Timberwolves at Crypto Arena.

James, in his 22nd season and pursuing a fifth NBA championship, also contributed seven assists for the Lakers, who displayed greater physicality in a game that saw a combined 46 personal fouls called.

After struggling with the Lakers’ increased defensive intensity early on, the Timberwolves mounted some pressure in the final quarter as the Lakers’ offence went cold. Los Angeles managed just 13 points in the fourth period, but Minnesota, led by Julius Randle’s 27 points and Anthony Edwards’ 25, couldn’t capitalise fully on the Lakers’ scoring drought.

“We played hard for 48 minutes,” Doncic said. “We played physical; that’s how we’ve got to play over the whole 48 minutes.”

In other playoff action, the Indiana Pacers overcame a strong performance from Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and the return of Damian Lillard to defeat the Bucks 123-115, taking a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominant form, following up their 51-point victory in game one with a 118-99 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, also establishing a 2-0 series lead in the West.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.