Jaden McDaniels Shines as Timberwolves Top Lakers 116-104/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 in Game 3, led by Jaden McDaniels’ career playoff-high 30 points. Minnesota’s late defensive surge sealed the win, giving them a 2-1 series lead. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle also delivered strong performances.
Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 3 Quick Looks
- Timberwolves beat Lakers 116-104 to take 2-1 series lead.
- Jaden McDaniels scores playoff career-high 30 points.
- Anthony Edwards posts 29 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists.
- Julius Randle adds 22 points and key defensive plays.
- LeBron James scores 38 points but Lakers falter late.
- Timberwolves dominate late, outscoring Lakers 13-1 to close game.
- Austin Reaves hits five three-pointers to keep Lakers close.
- Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Minneapolis.
Jaden McDaniels Shines as Timberwolves Top Lakers 116-104
Deep Look
Timberwolves Surge Past Lakers in Game 3 Behind Career Night from Jaden McDaniels
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered one of their most complete performances of the season on Friday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 to claim a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. Powered by Jaden McDaniels’ career playoff-high 30 points and an inspired defensive effort, Minnesota closed out Game 3 with authority.
McDaniels was the standout star, not only scoring efficiently but also locking down Luka Doncic, who struggled to find his rhythm while battling a stomach illness. McDaniels’ relentless energy impressed his teammates and coach alike.
“Jaden never looks tired. He looks like he could play 48 minutes,” said Anthony Edwards, who contributed an impressive all-around game with 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
Julius Randle added 22 points, bringing physicality and intensity on both ends of the floor. Randle’s contributions, including a 9-for-10 performance at the free throw line, helped the Wolves dominate points in the paint by a 56-26 margin.
Strong Closing Effort Seals the Win
After Luka Doncic tied the game at 103 with a smooth baseline jumper, the Timberwolves responded with their best closing sequence of the season, outscoring the Lakers 13-1 over the final 4:37. Minnesota’s defense suffocated Los Angeles’ offense, while Edwards and McDaniels delivered clutch baskets.
“Our best closing effort of the year, no doubt,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.
LeBron James, doing much of the heavy lifting for the Lakers with Doncic under the weather, scored 38 points and hit a trio of three-pointers during a blistering stretch in the fourth quarter. However, James cooled off dramatically down the stretch, missing key shots, including a corner three that hit the side of the backboard with just under 90 seconds left.
“He was shooting it from Yucatan,” Edwards joked afterward. “He was shooting it crazy.”
Following James’ miss, Edwards drilled a long two-pointer to extend the Wolves’ lead, then energized the raucous Target Center crowd during a timeout.
“That was probably the most fun I’ve had in Target Center, for sure,” Edwards said, smiling.
Lakers Struggle with Turnovers Despite Shooting Surge
Austin Reaves contributed 20 points, making five of his eleven attempts from three-point range, helping the Lakers stay close despite their issues with turnovers. Los Angeles committed 19 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 28 points — a decisive factor in the outcome.
“They’re big, they’re long, they’re athletic, they pressure the basketball, they make everything tough,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said. “We’re going to have some turnovers.”
The Lakers’ turnover problems magnified their inability to execute late in the game, and James’ late-game cold streak only compounded their struggles.
McDaniels’ Two-Way Brilliance
McDaniels’ impact was especially evident on the defensive end. Assigned to Doncic for much of the night, he disrupted passing lanes, contested shots, and forced the Dallas superstar into tough looks. Doncic needed a difficult step-back three-pointer just before halftime to reach eight points, a testament to McDaniels’ smothering defense.
Minnesota’s ability to contain Doncic, force turnovers, and execute offensively in crunch time showed a level of maturity that had eluded them in previous close games.
Game 4 is set for Sunday in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves will have an opportunity to extend their series lead to 3-1 and move one step closer to advancing.
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