Lakers even first-round playoff series versus Minnesota Timberwolves due to Luka Doncic's impressive play
In Game 2 of the first-round playoff series, Luka Dončić fueled the Los Angeles Lakers' 94-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, leveling the series at 1-1. The Slovenian sensation exploded for 14 of his game-high 31 points in the opening quarter, catapulting the Lakers to a commanding 19-point lead heading into the second. Despite Minnesota trimming the lead to nine points in the fourth, the Lakers never seemed in danger of losing their advantage.
Dončić's breathtaking stat line included 31 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, and a block. This All-Star-caliber performance was a sign of things to come, as the 26-year-old appears primed to replicate the killer instinct he displayed when dismantling the Timberwolves in last season's Western Conference Finals, while with the Dallas Mavericks.
LeBron James contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block, with Austin Reaves adding 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists. "We took it to heart, held each other accountable, and had a much better result," James told reporters after the game. "We can still be better offensively," he added, expressing his confidence in the team's shooting percentages.
Reaves stated that the Lakers' focus before the game was to "play harder" than they did in Game 1 and "match physicality with physicality."
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Anthony Edwards, who received a $50,000 fine from the league for inappropriate behavior during Game 1, scored 25 points. However, the real letdown for Minnesota came from their role players. In Game 1, Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid combined for 48 points on 19-of-25 shooting, with the Timberwolves' bench outscoring the Lakers' subs by 30. In Game 2, McDaniels and Reid managed just 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting combined, both finding themselves in foul trouble.
"We knew they would come with high intensity and energy," Randle said. "We knew it was going to be physical. We were stagnant, missed open looks, missed layups. They were just in a rhythm." The series now shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Friday.
While specific 2023 playoff statistics for Dončić aren't readily available, his 2024 postseason performance offers useful context. During the 2024 playoffs, Dončić averaged 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists, dipping in scoring slightly while increasing his rebounding and assists compared to his career norms.
Dončić led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, averaging over 30 points in the series opener and recording a triple-double in Game 2. However, they ultimately fell to Boston in five games. Entering the 2024-25 season, Dončić held a 25-25 playoff game record (excluding 2024-25), with a 5-4 playoff series record. Dončić was later traded to the Lakers during the 2024-25 season, though specific statistics for his Lakers playoff games aren't available.
- LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Dončić combined for an impressive 68 points in Game 2, contributing significantly to the Lakers' victory.
- Despite Dončić's stellar performance, it was the Lakers' bench that struggled in Game 1 against the Timberwolves, allowing their opponents to outscore them by 30.
- Dončić's impressive playoff performance in the 2024 season saw him average over 28 points per game, with an impressive 9.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists, leading his team to the NBA Finals.
- With Dončić's playoff record standing at 25-25 (excluding 2024-25), and a 5-4 record in playoff series, creditline for his upcoming performances in the ongoing series is well-deserved.
