Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Sherman/NBA …
LOS ANGELES - Jaden McDaniels played a pivotal role in the Minnesota Timberwolves' comeback victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a 116-113 win and a 3-1 lead in the first-round series.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 43 points, while the Lakers face elimination in Game 5.
What we know:
McDaniels converted a crucial three-point play with 39.5 seconds left, giving the Timberwolves the lead and stealing the inbounds pass from LeBron James.
Edwards, who scored 43 points, drew a foul on James and hit two free throws with 10 seconds remaining.
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The Lakers' attempt to tie the game ended with Austin Reaves missing a corner shot, rebounded by McDaniels at the buzzer.
By the numbers:
Julius Randle contributed 25 points, and McDaniels added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who overcame a 12-point deficit late in the third quarter.
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Luka Doncic scored 38 points for the Lakers, recovering from a stomach bug, but the team now faces a must-win Game 5 on Wednesday.
What's next:
The Lakers return home for Game 5 on Wednesday, where they must win to avoid elimination from the playoffs.
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The Timberwolves, with a 3-1 series lead, aim to close out the series and advance to the next round.
The Source: Information for this story is from the Associated Press.