Timberwolves Triumph Over Lakers in Playoff Opener

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough start to their playoff run, losing 117-95 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 25 points, making them the only away team to win in the first round of the playoffs. Naz Reid contributed 23 points off the bench, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. The Timberwolves had a commanding lead at one point, ahead by 27.

Lakers star LeBron James, in his 22nd NBA season, didn’t score in the first quarter but finished with 19 points. Luka Doncic, fresh from a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, was the top scorer for the Lakers with 37 points. Lakers coach JJ Redick mentioned that while the team was mentally prepared, they struggled to match Minnesota’s physical style of play.

In another Western Conference matchup, the Denver Nuggets, led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic with 29 points, narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 112-110 in overtime, overcoming a 15-point deficit.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers both took leads in their games. The Knicks scored 21 points in a row during the last quarter to beat the Detroit Pistons 123-112. Jalen Brunson was key, scoring 34 points, with 23 coming in the second half. In a losing effort, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points, but the Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Pacers 117-98.
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo netted 36 points, but it was not enough as his Milwaukee Bucks lost 117-98 to the Pacers.