The first game of the playoff series between the LA Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves was an intense one, with Luka Doncic making his playoff debut for the Lakers. Despite Doncic putting on an impressive performance with 37 points on 12-for-22 shooting, the Lakers fell short to the Timberwolves, who showcased a historic shooting display and secured a 117-95 victory in Game 1.
Doncic, known for his scoring abilities, also collected eight rebounds but only managed to dish out one assist while turning the ball over five times. This performance was a stark contrast to his usual playmaking skills, as he expressed regret to Lakers fans for not securing the win in his playoff debut.
The game drew a crowd of 18,997 at Crypto.com Arena, but the Timberwolves stole the show by knocking down 21 of their 42 attempts from beyond the arc, setting a new franchise playoff record. On the other hand, the Lakers struggled offensively, with their 95-point total being the lowest in any game that Doncic and LeBron James played together this season.
James contributed 19 points on 18 shots but ended with the worst plus-minus on the team at minus-22 in 36 minutes. The Lakers shot below 40% from the field, finishing at 39.8%, with only Doncic and Dalton Knecht shooting above 50%.
The Lakers also had difficulties getting to the free-throw line, attempting only 16 free throws and making 14. In comparison, they averaged 23.2 attempts per game in the regular season.
Following the loss, Doncic acknowledged the need to distribute the ball more effectively, especially with high-usage ball handlers like James and Austin Reaves on the team. The trio combined for only seven assists in Game 1, with Doncic recording just one assist and five turnovers, resulting in his lowest assist-to-turnover ratio in his postseason career.
Looking ahead to Game 2, Doncic acknowledged the need to pass more and improve the team’s overall performance. The Lakers will have a chance to bounce back in Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET.
In conclusion, despite a strong individual performance from Doncic, the Lakers will need to regroup and make adjustments to overcome the Timberwolves in the remainder of the series. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting playoff matchup.
