LeBron James scored a game-high 38 factors and grabbed 10 rebounds, but it surely was not sufficient to save lots of the Los Angeles Lakers from a 116-104 defeat in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Recreation 3 of their Western Convention first-round playoff sequence on Friday night time in Minneapolis.
Austin Reaves added 20 factors for the Lakers, helped by 5 three-pointers, whereas Luka Doncic completed with 17 factors, eight assists and 7 rebounds. Nevertheless, Doncic struggled along with his capturing, making solely 6 of 16 photographs from the sphere and a couple of of 8 from past the arc, and he additionally dedicated 5 of the Lakers’ 19 turnovers.
Regardless of main 58-54 at half-time, the Lakers couldn’t maintain management within the second half, the place they have been outscored 62-46.
James stored the Lakers within the recreation, together with an alley-oop dunk that briefly closed the hole within the third quarter, however the Timberwolves discovered one other gear within the closing minutes. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 30 factors, whereas Anthony Edwards added 29.
Late within the fourth quarter, Doncic managed to tie the sport at 103-103 with a step-back jumper, however Minnesota rapidly pulled away. Edwards hit a three-pointer to place the Timberwolves again in entrance, and Naz Reid adopted with one other from the wing. Edwards then drove previous James for a layup to increase the lead, and moments later, he thrilled the house crowd with a dribble transfer and a protracted three-pointer.
Rui Hachimura missed a key three-pointer for the Lakers quickly after, and McDaniels sealed the win with one other three from the nook.
The Timberwolves now lead the best-of-seven sequence 2-1. Recreation 4 may even be performed in Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon.
