Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 116- 113 on Sunday afternoon in Minnesota. The series has been close, with both teams throwing “punches”. The series shifts back to LA for an elimination game. Los Angeles came into this series projected to win, but Minnesota has shown a resemblance to its 2024 playoff run, and that is why it is finding success.
A key takeaway from the Luka Trade was that Los Angeles was getting rid of a crucial big man and wouldn’t have any guy to replace him. Jaxon Hayes has done a solid job, but aside from him, their frontcourt is very weak. The Timberwolves’ size has been a decisive factor in their favor against the Lakers. Minnesota deploys an extensive and physical lineup, featuring players like Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, all of whom provide elite size and athleticism.
Even when the T-Wolves employ their “small ball” lineups, they remain larger and more physical than anything the Lakers assemble on the floor. Minnesota has won the rebounding battle in two of their three series wins and tied in the third, demonstrating their dominance on the glass.
The Lakers’ Big Three of Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves is undeniably strong; however, they have struggled to find success in this series due to their lack of depth. The T-Wolves have a deeper and balanced roster. They can claim as many as seven of the best 11 players in the series. In Game Four, the Minnesota bench outscored the Lakers’ reserves 25 to 6, with Dorian Finney-Smith being the only Lakers bench player to score. This elite bench production enables the Wolves to maintain a high level of play even when their starters rest, whereas the Lakers struggle to sustain their performance when they are without their stars.
Minnesota has proven itself as a formidable road team. During the 2024-25 season, Ant and the crew posted a strong 24- 17 record away from home. This road dominance has translated into success in the playoffs over the last two years, highlighted by their ability to take the series opener in a dominant fashion in Game One.
The Timberwolves’ size, depth, and road resilience have given them a tremendous advantage in this series. Their physical advantage creates matchup problems that, unless JJ Reddick can make an elite adjustment, will be the reason his team is eliminated. Anthony Edwards is a leader, and the Minnesota bench outperforms the Lakers’ depleted unit. Their ability to win away from home shows their championship potential.
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