Timberwolves seize series lead against Lakers as McDaniels shines
- The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 2-1 series lead with a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Jaden McDaniels delivered a standout performance, scoring 30 points while defending effectively against Luka Doncic.
- With key contributions from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, the Timberwolves demonstrated superior depth and defense.
In the United States, the Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series on April 25, 2025. The Timberwolves emerged victorious with a 116-104 score, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. Jaden McDaniels excelled with a career playoff-high of 30 points, showcasing impressive defensive skills against Luka Doncic, who was hampered by a stomach illness. Anthony Edwards contributed significantly as well, scoring 29 points, while Julius Randle added 22 points to support the team's offense. The Timberwolves capitalized on the Lakers' struggles, especially with Doncic unable to perform at his usual level. Despite a strong effort from LeBron James, who tallied 38 points, the Lakers could not overcome a poor final stretch of the game where the Timberwolves outscored them 13-1 in the final minutes. This victory also highlighted Minnesota's advantages in depth, defense, and overall team chemistry, which appear to give them the edge moving forward in the playoffs. The conclusion after this match points towards a critical Game 4 showdown that promises to be a decisive moment in the series for both teams, especially given Doncic's health concerns as they head back to Minneapolis for the next contest.