The Los Angeles Lakers faced an unexpected challenge in their playoff opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, succumbing to a vigorous physicality that left them struggling to find their rhythm. Tuesday night’s game, though, showcased that muscle in the form of Minnesota’s physical playing style. This dominance was apparent with an incredible 67-33 advantage over L.A.’s in the second half. The Lakers have reached a crucial crossroads as they head into Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.
Luka Doncic had one of those nights, hitting 16 of his game-high 37 points in a dominating first quarter. Through his play, he established an identity for the Lakers almost immediately. As the game went on, the Wolves intensified their approach. Their defenders in turn extended the boundaries of allowed contact, but did so while artfully avoiding their own foul trouble. The Kellogg’s methodical Timberwolves wanted to impose their will with a lumbering, Twin Towers-esque front line. Seven-foot tall Rudy Gobert, as did other 6-foot-9 players Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle, wreaked havoc on the boards and forced turnovers.
And even with 16 free throws to Minnesota’s 11, L.A. couldn’t make the most of their chances. Doncic’s thunderous attacks to the rim put Orlando’s top shot blockers in foul trouble. Gobert, McDaniels, and Anthony Edwards all victimized early in the game. The Lakers’ other offensive options, such as LeBron James and Austin Reaves, couldn’t get going.
L.A.’s head coach, JJ Redick, admitted that his team wasn’t ready for the kind of raw physicality that Minnesota brought.
“I’m not sure physically we were ready,” – JJ Redick
The brief respite leading into the playoffs served to both heal various nagging ailments and tighten up formations and tactics. Instead, it went on to hold L.A. back from achieving their full potential. Redick sought to increase pace of play by going smaller and spreading the court. He wanted wings such as Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt to be able to prosper at center.
The Timberwolves controlled the three-point line in their postseason run. It illustrated their lethal shooting from deep, as they tied a franchise record by draining 21 of their 42 attempts from long range. McDaniels and Naz Reid were most specifically the most offensive on the court. McDaniels led the way with 25 points, making all three of his three-point attempts, and Reid wasn’t far behind with 23 points, going 6-for-9 from three.
As LeBron James noted, it only took them one playoff game to adjust. They soon discovered firsthand the high level of intensity and physicality that’s demanded at this level.
“Maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for it and know what type of intensity, the type of physicality is going to be brought to the game,” – LeBron James
Vanderbilt sounded the same tune, underscoring the need to play with initiative.
“I feel like they hit us first. And they were the more physical team for the majority of the game…. It’s the playoffs, man. We got to play hard.” – Jarred Vanderbilt
As hard as L.A. tried, they were stuck unable to attack Minnesota’s interior defense while dealing with issues at the point of attack. Doncic’s tendency to dominate the game led him to revert to hunting his own shot. Instead, he finished with just a single assist despite his offensive explosion.
James is brimming with confidence. He thinks they’ll be up to the challenge of dealing with Minnesota’s physical, gritty approach.
“But that’s just the way they play. So we should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday night,” – LeBron James
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