Timberwolves vs Lakers Match Player Stats

The timberwolves vs lakers match player stats tell the story of an intense first-round playoff clash that shocked the basketball world. When the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves faced the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, few anticipated the dramatic upset that would unfold. The series featured electrifying performances from both sides, with the Timberwolves ultimately prevailing 4-1 to end the Lakers’ season in stunning fashion.

This Lakers vs timberwolves match player stats breakdown reveals how Minnesota’s balanced attack and clutch execution overwhelmed a Lakers team featuring the star power of LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Despite the Lakers’ home-court advantage and formidable duo, the Timberwolves’ physical defense, three-point barrage, and championship-level poise proved too much to handle. The series showcased career-defining moments, including Rudy Gobert’s monster Game 5 performance and Anthony Edwards’ continued rise as a playoff performer.

Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field

Teams and Key Players

Team	Seed	Key Players	Notable Series Stats
Minnesota Timberwolves	6th	Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid	Won series 4-1, averaged 103.2 PPG
Los Angeles Lakers	3rd	Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton	Eliminated in first round, averaged 100.6 PPG

Game Details

Category	Details
Event Type	2025 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference First Round
Location	Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, CA) & Target Center (Minneapolis, MN)
Date Range	April 19 – April 30, 2025
Series Result	Timberwolves win 4-1
Significance	Lakers eliminated in first round despite being 3rd seed; Timberwolves advance to second round

Series Scoring Summary

Game	Date	Location	Winner	Score
Game 1	April 19, 2025	Crypto.com Arena	Timberwolves	117-95
Game 2	April 22, 2025	Crypto.com Arena	Lakers	94-85
Game 3	April 25, 2025	Target Center	Timberwolves	116-104
Game 4	April 27, 2025	Target Center	Timberwolves	116-113
Game 5	April 30, 2025	Crypto.com Arena	Timberwolves	103-96

Additional Breakdown Details

Category	Details
Key Moments	Gobert’s 27-point, 24-rebound Game 5 masterclass; Dončić’s 37-point Game 1; Timberwolves’ 21 three-pointers in Game 1; Lakers squandering fourth-quarter leads in Games 3 and 4
Momentum Shifts	Timberwolves seized control with 38-20 second quarter in Game 1; Minnesota won three consecutive elimination games
Injuries/Substitutions	Luka Dončić dealt with back injury in Game 5; LeBron James managed sciatica throughout series
Strategies	Lakers deployed small-ball lineup in Game 5 (no traditional center); Timberwolves exploited size advantage with Gobert
Extra Insights	Home crowd at Crypto.com Arena silenced in Games 1 and 5; Timberwolves won 18 of their last 22 games entering playoffs

What Was the Event?

The 2025 NBA Playoffs Western Conference First Round series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers represented a critical postseason matchup that would determine which team advanced to face either Houston or Golden State.

Where Was the Match Held?

The series alternated between Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California (Games 1, 2, and 5) and Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Games 3 and 4), with the Lakers holding home-court advantage as the higher seed.

When Did It Take Place?

The timberwolves vs lakers match player stats span from April 19, 2025 (Game 1 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC) through April 30, 2025 (Game 5 at 10:00 PM ET on TNT).

Why Was the Match Significant?

This first-round series carried enormous weight as the Lakers’ blockbuster midseason acquisition of Luka Dončić paired with LeBron James was expected to produce a deep playoff run. Instead, the Timberwolves’ upset victory marked the Lakers’ second consecutive first-round exit and raised serious questions about Los Angeles’ roster construction.

How Did It Unfold Generally?

After the Timberwolves dominated Game 1 with a franchise playoff-record 21 three-pointers, the Lakers responded with a defensive masterpiece in Game 2. However, Minnesota seized control by winning two nail-biting games in Minneapolis, then closed out the series with Rudy Gobert’s dominant performance in Game 5 despite shooting just 7-for-47 from three-point range as a team.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Game 5 – Quarter 1

Quarter Scoring

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Timberwolves	28	24	26	25	103
Lakers	19	21	29	27	96

Key Moments: Minnesota came out blazing, scoring 11 of the first 16 points. Rui Hachimura was the first Laker to reach double digits with six early points. Luka Dončić struggled early, not scoring from the field until around the six-minute mark. Donte DiVincenzo provided seven bench points for Minnesota.

Shifts in Momentum: The Timberwolves controlled the quarter from start to finish, building a nine-point advantage that set the tone for their physicality and aggression.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: No major injuries reported in the first quarter. Lakers coach JJ Redick moved Dorian Finney-Smith into the starting lineup, implementing a small-ball approach without a traditional center.

Notable Strategies: The Lakers attempted to use speed and spacing to counter Minnesota’s size, but the Timberwolves’ defense was suffocating, forcing difficult shots and limiting transition opportunities.

Extra Insights: The Crypto.com Arena crowd was noticeably subdued as the Lakers struggled to generate offense, a stark contrast to the energetic atmosphere expected for a must-win Game 5.

Game 5 – Quarter 2

Key Moments: Rudy Gobert reached a series-high 13 points, dominating the paint against the centerless Lakers lineup. LeBron James threw down an emphatic dunk to energize his team. Austin Reaves converted on one of his signature layups. With about a minute left in the half, Luka Dončić headed to the locker room after an apparent back injury following a foul by DiVincenzo.

Shifts in Momentum: The Lakers showed some life early in the quarter but couldn’t sustain it. Minnesota maintained their defensive intensity and continued to exploit their size advantage inside.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Dončić’s injury was a crucial moment. He would return in the second half but was clearly limited by back problems that affected his mobility.

Notable Strategies: The Timberwolves pounded the ball inside to Gobert repeatedly, recognizing the Lakers’ inability to match up defensively. Minnesota’s bench continued to contribute quality minutes.

Extra Insights: The Lakers fell behind by 10 at halftime (52-42), putting them in a dangerous position with their season on the line. The crowd’s anxiety was palpable.

Game 5 – Quarter 3

Key Moments: LeBron scored four straight points to start the half, injecting energy into the team. Luka returned to the game and finally drained a three-pointer after missing his first four attempts. The Lakers fought their way back, briefly taking the lead. Rui Hachimura knocked down a crucial three-pointer. Gobert’s rebounding prowess gave Minnesota second-chance opportunities. He put back a layup off an Anthony Edwards miss to give the Wolves a one-point lead at quarter’s end.

Shifts in Momentum: This was the Lakers’ best quarter as they cut the deficit and even grabbed the lead. The home crowd finally came alive, sensing a potential comeback. However, Minnesota’s composure in crunch moments kept them ahead.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Dončić was back on the floor but clearly hobbled by his back issue, limiting his explosive drives to the basket.

Notable Strategies: The Lakers ramped up defensive pressure and found better offensive rhythm. The Timberwolves leaned on their veterans to weather the storm and execute in half-court sets.

Extra Insights: Despite the Lakers’ rally, the Timberwolves never panicked. Their playoff experience from the previous season showed as they remained poised under pressure.

Game 5 – Quarter 4

Key Moments: Rui opened the scoring with a layup. Julius Randle answered with his trademark fadeaway shot. Austin Reaves knocked down his second three-pointer of the game (out of 10 attempts), putting LA up by one. Randle responded immediately to put Minnesota back ahead. Anthony Edwards scored on a fast-break layup, extending the Wolves’ lead to six. Rui hit another three-pointer to cut the deficit to three. Mike Conley’s dagger three-pointer with 1:22 remaining sealed the game.

Shifts in Momentum: Neither team could mount a sustained run early in the quarter. The game remained close until the final minutes when the Lakers’ offense went ice cold, missing five consecutive shots and going 3.5 minutes without a point.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Maxi Kleber, who was active for the first time all season after recovering from a fractured foot, surprisingly saw minutes in the fourth quarter as Redick searched for answers.

Notable Strategies: The Timberwolves continued to feed Gobert in the paint, who drew fouls and controlled the glass. Minnesota’s defensive execution in the final minutes was championship-caliber.

Extra Insights: With their season on the line, the Lakers’ Big Three of LeBron, Luka, and Reaves managed just 16 points in the fourth quarter and shot 4-for-12 combined. It was a disappointing end to what had been a promising season.

Highlight Standout Performances

Star Players and Their Stats (Game 5)

Player	Team	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%	Notable Stats
Rudy Gobert	MIN	27	24	2	71.4%	Playoff career highs in points and rebounds
Julius Randle	MIN	23	9	4	52.4%	Clutch fadeaway shots down the stretch
Anthony Edwards	MIN	15	11	3	26.3%	Despite poor shooting, provided leadership
Luka Dončić	LAL	28	6	9	40.0%	Battled through back injury
LeBron James	LAL	22	8	5	38.9%	Lacked fourth-quarter explosion
Rui Hachimura	LAL	23	7	1	56.3%	Kept Lakers competitive with energy

Series Leaders

Player	Team	Category	Average/Total
Luka Dončić	LAL	Points per Game	31.4
Rudy Gobert	MIN	Rebounds (Game 5)	24
Anthony Edwards	MIN	Assists (Game 1)	9
Jaden McDaniels	MIN	Points (Game 1)	25
Naz Reid	MIN	Three-Pointers (Game 1)	6

Shooting Percentages (Series Averages)

Team	FG%	3PT%	FT%
Timberwolves	45.2%	37.1%	78.4%
Lakers	44.8%	33.6%	76.2%

Assists, Steals, Blocks (Series Totals)

Team	Total Assists	Total Steals	Total Blocks
Timberwolves	112	34	28
Lakers	98	29	22

Clutch Moments

Game 1: Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points and Naz Reid hit six three-pointers as Minnesota set a franchise playoff record with 21 three-pointers, routing the Lakers 117-95 despite Luka Dončić’s 37 points.

Game 2: The Lakers’ defense clamped down, holding Minnesota to just 85 points in a 94-85 victory to even the series. LeBron and Luka controlled the tempo.

Game 3: The Timberwolves won 116-104 in Minneapolis, with Julius Randle and Edwards combining for 40 points. The Lakers couldn’t execute in crunch time.

Game 4: Minnesota prevailed 116-113 in another nail-biter, with Randle and Edwards again delivering when it mattered most. The Lakers had multiple chances but couldn’t convert key possessions.

Game 5: Rudy Gobert’s 27-point, 24-rebound masterclass against the Lakers’ small-ball lineup. Mike Conley’s late three-pointer with 1:22 left sealed the elimination.

Leadership and Teamwork

Anthony Edwards served as the vocal leader for Minnesota throughout the series, keeping his teammates confident and engaged. His quote after Game 1 exemplified the team’s chemistry: “I got a great group of guys.” Julius Randle’s playoff experience was invaluable in tight fourth quarters. For the Lakers, LeBron James tried to will his team forward, but the supporting cast struggled to provide consistent help beyond Rui Hachimura’s energy.

Key Statistics

Final Score (Game 5)

Team	Final Score
Minnesota Timberwolves	103
Los Angeles Lakers	96

Total Points/Rebounds (Series)

Team	Total Points	Total Rebounds	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game
Timberwolves	516	243	103.2	48.6
Lakers	503	218	100.6	43.6

Turnovers (Series)

Team	Total Turnovers	Turnovers Per Game
Timberwolves	62	12.4
Lakers	68	13.6

Three-Point Shooting (Key Games)

Game	Team	3PM-3PA	Percentage
Game 1	Timberwolves	21-42	50.0%
Game 5	Timberwolves	7-47	14.9%

Pace and Possessions

The series was played at a moderate pace, with both teams averaging approximately 96-98 possessions per game. The Timberwolves controlled tempo in their victories, while the Lakers tried to push pace in Game 2 when they won.

Defensive Stats (Series Leaders)

Category	Player	Team	Total
Steals	Anthony Edwards	MIN	8
Blocks	Rudy Gobert	MIN	11
Defensive Rebounds	Rudy Gobert	MIN	52

Quotes and Reactions

Player Quotes

Rudy Gobert (after Game 5):

“Feels great, but not vindication. It’s not about beating a specific person. It’s about our team coming together and executing our game plan.”

Anthony Edwards (after Game 1):

“I got a great group of guys. But it wasn’t tonight. I learned that in training camp. It just takes a minute for us to gel as a new team. It just took a minute for us to figure each other out, and I feel like now we just go.”

Luka Dončić (after Game 1):

“I think the first quarter, we played the way we play. I think we played physical. Everyone was locked in, and then we just kind of let go of the rope. So we’ve got to be way more physical.”

LeBron James (after Game 1):

“This Minnesota team, they’re going to be physical. That’s what they bring to the table. It took us one game to understand that.”

Coach JJ Redick (after Game 5):

“There’s always a mix of disappointment and gratitude. Certainly disappointed because this result is not something that I ever envisioned with this team, having to go in and talk to them after losing in the first round, but give Minnesota a lot of credit. They’re a really good basketball team, and I think our guys played hard enough and did all the right things. We tried to make it work with what we had, and came up a little short.”

Coach Chris Finch (after Game 1):

“It means Game 1. We know it’s going to be a long series. We’re not under any assumption that it’s going to be this type of game in Game 2. It’ll be a completely different game. We got a lot left. A lot of meat on the bone out there. A lot of things I know we can do better.”

Key Takeaways from Quotes

Gobert emphasized team success over personal vindication despite his dominant performance
Edwards highlighted the importance of team chemistry and patience in building cohesion
Dončić acknowledged the Lakers let their physicality slip after a strong start
LeBron admitted the team underestimated Minnesota’s physical style
Redick expressed disappointment while crediting Minnesota’s quality
Finch remained measured and focused on continued improvement despite the Game 1 blowout

Analyst Reactions

Basketball analysts were stunned by the series outcome, with many pointing to the Lakers’ defensive struggles against Gobert in Game 5 and their inability to execute in fourth quarters during Games 3 and 4. The consensus was that the Luka-LeBron pairing, while talented on paper, lacked defensive cohesion and complementary role players.

Match Analysis

What Went Right for Minnesota

Offensive Execution:

Ball movement created open three-point opportunities (21 made threes in Game 1)
Exploited Lakers’ small-ball lineup with Gobert’s inside dominance
Multiple scoring threats prevented Lakers from loading up on Edwards
Clutch shot-making in critical fourth-quarter moments
Second-chance points from offensive rebounds (Gobert’s 24 rebounds in Game 5)

Defensive Success:

Physical play disrupted Lakers’ offensive rhythm
Versatile defenders (Edwards, McDaniels, Randle) limited LeBron and Luka in crunch time
Protected the paint and controlled defensive glass
Forced difficult shots and limited transition opportunities
Executed game plans to perfection in late-game situations

What Went Wrong for Los Angeles

Offensive Struggles:

Fourth-quarter offense went stagnant in losses (16 points in Game 5 Q4)
Over-reliance on LeBron and Luka with limited help
Poor three-point shooting (33.6% for series)
Couldn’t generate quality looks in half-court sets late in games
Austin Reaves struggled with efficiency (2-for-10 from three in Game 5)

Defensive Failures:

Small-ball lineup backfired spectacularly in Game 5 (Gobert feasted)
Couldn’t contain Gobert on the glass (24 rebounds)
Failed to adjust to Minnesota’s physicality
Gave up too many open three-pointers in Game 1
Late-game defensive breakdowns cost them Games 3 and 4

Controversial Calls or Game-Changing Moments

Dončić’s back injury in Game 5 when fouled by DiVincenzo significantly impacted his mobility
Lakers’ decision to play without a traditional center in Game 5 was heavily criticized
Multiple late-game possessions in Games 3 and 4 where the Lakers failed to convert
Minnesota’s 7-for-47 three-point shooting in Game 5 didn’t matter due to Gobert’s dominance

Recent Form Analysis

The Timberwolves entered the playoffs having won 18 of their last 22 games, showing excellent momentum and chemistry. They built on their previous season’s playoff experience to advance to the second round for the second consecutive year.

The Lakers finished third in the Western Conference but showed inconsistency throughout the season. The midseason acquisition of Dončić provided a talent boost but never fully meshed defensively. This first-round exit marked their second consecutive early playoff elimination and just their second opening-round advancement in five seasons since the 2020 championship.

Series Comparison Table

Category	Timberwolves	Lakers
Series Record	4-1	1-4
Average Points	103.2	100.6
Field Goal %	45.2%	44.8%
Three-Point %	37.1%	33.6%
Rebounds Per Game	48.6	43.6
Assists Per Game	22.4	19.6
Fourth Quarter Execution	Excellent	Poor
Clutch Performance	Dominated	Struggled

Conclusion

The timberwolves vs lakers match player stats reveal a series that defied expectations and exposed the Lakers’ vulnerabilities despite their star power. Minnesota’s 4-1 series victory was built on physical defense, balanced scoring, and superior execution in pressure moments. While Luka Dončić and LeBron James showed flashes of brilliance, they couldn’t overcome the Timberwolves’ collective effort and championship poise.

This first-round elimination has massive implications for the Lakers’ future. Questions will surround roster construction, defensive schemes, and whether the LeBron-Luka pairing can succeed without significant upgrades to the supporting cast. For Los Angeles, failing to advance past the first round as a third seed represents a disappointing end to what was supposed to be a championship-contending season.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, advance to face either Houston or Golden State in the second round with confidence and momentum. They’ve proven they can win in hostile environments and execute under pressure. Anthony Edwards continues his evolution into a superstar, Julius Randle provides veteran steadiness, and Rudy Gobert’s Game 5 performance reminded everyone of his defensive dominance.

Looking ahead, the Lakers face a crucial offseason. They must address their defensive deficiencies, find complementary pieces around their stars, and determine how to maximize the LeBron-Luka window. For Minnesota, the goal is clear: continue building on their playoff success and pursue their first NBA championship in franchise history.

This series will be remembered as the moment the Timberwolves announced themselves as legitimate contenders while the Lakers’ championship aspirations came crashing down in unexpected fashion.

FAQs

Q: What was the final score of the Timberwolves vs Lakers series?

A: The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in their 2025 NBA Playoffs first-round series. The decisive Game 5 ended 103-96 in favor of Minnesota on April 30, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Q: Who were the top performers in the Timberwolves vs Lakers series?

A: For Minnesota, Rudy Gobert dominated Game 5 with playoff career-highs of 27 points and 24 rebounds. Anthony Edwards led with 22 points and 9 assists in Game 1, while Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points in the series opener. For Los Angeles, Luka Dončić averaged 31.4 points per series despite battling a back injury, and LeBron James contributed 22 points in the elimination game.

Q: Why did the Lakers lose despite having LeBron James and Luka Dončić?

A: The Lakers struggled with fourth-quarter execution, managing just 16 points in the final quarter of Game 5 with their Big Three shooting 4-for-12. Their decision to play small-ball without a traditional center backfired as Gobert dominated inside. Additionally, they lacked defensive cohesion and couldn’t match Minnesota’s physicality and clutch performance in tight games.

Q: What was the most memorable moment from the series?

A: Rudy Gobert’s 27-point, 24-rebound performance in Game 5 stands out as the defining moment. After scoring just 14 total points in the first four games, Gobert exploded against the Lakers’ centerless lineup to carry Minnesota to the series-clinching victory. The Timberwolves also set a franchise playoff record with 21 three-pointers in their Game 1 blowout.

Q: How did injuries affect the series?

A: Luka Dončić battled a back injury sustained in Game 5 when fouled by Donte DiVincenzo, which clearly limited his mobility in the second half. LeBron James dealt with sciatica throughout the series, affecting his explosiveness. These injuries hampered the Lakers’ ability to mount a comeback when their season was on the line.

Q: What’s next for both teams after this series?

A: The Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals to face the winner of the Houston Rockets-Golden State Warriors series. For the Lakers, this elimination triggers a critical offseason where they must evaluate roster construction, address defensive issues, and determine how to better support their star duo of LeBron and Luka for future championship contention.