The Los Angeles Lakers’ championship dreams are gradually fading following a gut-wrenching defeat (116-113) against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 on Sunday night. Despite trailing by 12 points at the end of the third quarter, the Timberwolves mounted a spectacular comeback led by an unstoppable Anthony Edwards, who poured in 43 points, including 16 in the final quarter.
With this victory, Minnesota secures a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, which will continue in Los Angeles for a crucial Game 5. Just one win away from advancing, the Timberwolves are showcasing their remarkable growth in these playoffs.
Anthony Edwards, the Hero of the Night
At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards dominated in every facet of the game: drilling five three-pointers, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out six assists, recording a steal, and playing relentless defense, particularly against LeBron James. His performance echoes his previous season’s feat where he eliminated the Denver Nuggets and their MVP Nikola Jokić.
Julius Randle brilliantly supported the team effort with 25 points and seven rebounds. For the Lakers, Luka Dončić scored 38 points, while LeBron James amassed 27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Rui Hachimura contributed 23 points.
In an unexpected strategic decision, Lakers’ coach JJ Redick maintained the same starting five throughout the entire second half: James, Dončić, Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Rui Hachimura. This marked a first in playoffs history since detailed statistics began (1996-97). Redick explained that he left the decision to his players, who requested no substitutions despite visible fatigue.
Edwards capitalized on this situation: “I could sense their exhaustion, so I kept the pressure on until the end,” he told ESPN.
The game’s closing moments were marked by controversial officiating decisions. Dončić, thrown off balance under defensive pressure, was forced to call a timeout. Both he and coach Redick vehemently protested, arguing there was illegal contact. In the final moments, James made a crucial error on an inbound play, turning the ball over with just 33 seconds remaining.
With ten seconds left, a clever challenge by Timberwolves’ coach Chris Finch turned the tide, resulting in a foul called against James, sending Edwards to the free-throw line.
In another playoff series, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a devastating home loss (129-103) to the Indiana Pacers. The situation worsened when their star player Damian Lillard exited early with an Achilles tendon injury in the first quarter. Their coach, Doc Rivers, expressed pessimism about his condition. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 28-point performance, the team failed to contain the Pacers’ balanced offensive attack, which saw eight players score in double figures.
Next Game
The decisive Game 5 between the Lakers and Timberwolves will take place this Wednesday at 10 PM (Eastern Time) at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
For LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and their teammates, this will be a true survival game.
