The Minnesota Timberwolves were irked, maybe even pissed off. When their postseason matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers was finalized, pretty much everyone outside of Minnesota counted them out. The memes and the highlights were on repeat and with Luka Doncic now on the Lakers, the expectation was that the Wolves would be eviscerated again. 

The prevailing narrative was clearly a source of annoyance to Minnesota so the Wolves decided to rewrite the narrative themselves in Los Angeles. 

Early on, it looked like history was going to repeat itself as the Lakers took a 28-21 lead after the first quarter. Minnesota may have let Los Angeles throw the first punch, but the Wolves proceeded to unleash a flurry of 3-pointer haymakers on the Lakers that left everyone in Los Angeles stunned. 

Game 1 was more of Minnesota’s stellar shooting than a shoddy performance from the Lakers. It was clear the Wolves were playing with a different kind of motivation hoping to prove anyone and everyone in their path wrong. 

Many were pointing to Minnesota’s frontcourt as an asset, but in reality, it’s their playmaking that could prove vital in this series. The Wolves had 29 assists in Game 1 and the ball movement in negating Los Angeles’ frontcourt, but it allowed Minnesota to balance the offense. The Lakers defense could not focus and it became a pick your poison scenario even when Anthony Edwards sat out due to cramps. 

Defense was critical for the Wolves, because the Lakers themselves are an unstoppable bunch when their shots are falling. Luka Doncic had himself a night and Minnesota will live with that, because a strong scoring night from Doncic works out when the rest of the team barely matches his output. 

In reality, apart from the series loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Wolves were on a tear in last year’s postseason. They took down the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, vaunted squads that gave Minnesota confidence to come into Crypto.com Arena with no fear. The Wolves’ confidence in their abilities also helped them navigate through some storms earlier this season. 

Of course, the series can take a different direction in the next few games. This was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ best punch and Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Reddick could devise some schemes to stymie the Wolves’ shooting and even the series. Moreover, wildcards such as injuries and rotation changes could change the complexion of the series. After all, the Lakers in 5 scenario is still in play.

For now, though, Minnesota can enjoy their statement victory to open the 2025 NBA Playoffs because it’s the first step in silencing the doubters. https://x.com/canishoopus/status/1913804480354959496?s=46&t=s98XwdiQx2VkAjX9I2eakQ