The Los Angeles Lakers were ready to make a statement in Game 2 after their blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1. LA didn’t waste any time.
The Lakers came out strong and played physical basketball in the opening quarter. This physicality was missing in the first game.
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Led by Luka Doncic, who scored 16 first-quarter points, LA took a huge lead. After one-quarter of play, the Lakers led 34-15.
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Minnesota found themselves in more trouble in the second quarter. Naz Reid found himself in foul trouble, forcing him to the bench early in the quarter.
Doncic continued his hot shooting in the second quarter, and LeBron James came alive, scoring and setting up his teammates all over the court. Just when it appeared the Lakers were going to blow the Timberwolves out, Minnesota stormed back.
The Wolves were trailing by 22 at one point but ended the first half on a 12-5 run. Still, after one half of play, the Lakers led 58-43.
Second Half
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle as both teams played pretty evenly. Every time the Timberwolves appeared to make a run, the Lakers would answer.
Luka's bag is DEEP.
28 PTS, Lakers lead in Game 2 on TNT ???? pic.twitter.com/3xNwfuf8eI
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2025
After three quarters the Lakers comfortably led 81-65. The Timberwolves are a gritty team and wouldn’t just lie down. They kept battling in the fourth, forcing the Lakers not to let up.
With under 6:25 to go in the fourth, the Timberwolves cut the lead to single digits. This was the first time Minnesota was this close since midway through the first quarter.
Ultimately, this night belonged to the Lakers as they calmed down and kept the Timberwolves at bay. The Lakers held on to win 94-85 to tie the series at 1-1.
Doncic led the Lakers with 31 points while LeBron added 21. Game 3 will shift to Minnesota and it will be played on Friday, April 25, at 9:30 PM EST.
