H1: Lakers’ New Era Fizzles Out: MinnesotaEliminates LA in Classic clinics
Meta Description: LeBron and Luka’s partnership ends prematurely as Minnesota Timberwolves numerosi newborns win Game 5, eliminating the Lakers in the first round.
Lakers’ Limited Run Comes to an End as Timberwolves Advance
The LA Lakers’ new era, fueled by a mid-season trade that brought in NBA superstar Luka Dončić, came to an uninspiring close on Wednesday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Rudy Gobert’s playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds, defeated the Lakers 103-96 in Game 5, ending the series 4-1.
Key Moments:
- Dončić’s Slow Start: Luka Dončić overcame a slow start to score 28 points on seven-for-18 shooting. However, his impact was limited in the decisive fourth quarter.
- James’s Ineffectiveness: LeBron James scored 22 points on nine-for-21 shooting, struggling to find his rhythm in the crucial final period.
- Lakers’ Disastrous Fourth Quarter: The Lakers managed a mere 16 points in the fourth quarter, allowing the Timberwolves to extend their lead and ultimately secure the win.
- Hayes and Finney-Smith Swap: Lakers coach JJ Redick started Dorian Finney-Smith over center Jaxson Hayes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s dominance.
Coach Redick’s Frustration
Following the game, coach Redick was asked about late-game substitutions and responded angrily, "I’ve been doing this for a long time. I don’t need to lean on anybody to handle late-game situations." Redick’s frustration was evident as his team fell behind early and struggled to regain control.
Timberwolves’ Dominance
The Timberwolves finished the game with a 54-37 rebound advantage, despite missing 40 three-point shots. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota’s leading scorer, went five-for-19 from the field but managed to contribute significantly on the defensive end.
Lakers’ Historic First-Round Exit
This is the first time in franchise history that the Lakers have lost a first-round series as a top-3 seed. The Lakers have now lost 12 of their last 13 playoff games, dating back to last season.
Looking Ahead
With the offseason ahead, the Lakers will need to reassess their plans for next season. The partnership between LeBron James and Luka Dončić promised much, but the duo’s inability to lead the Lakers to victory in the playoffs will raise questions about their cohesive role and the team’s supporting cast.
Engage with Us
- Did you think the Lakers would bounce back in Game 5?
- Who do you think is to blame for the Lakers’ early exit?
- Share your thoughts on the Timberwolves’ impressive performance in the comments!
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for more updates on the Lakers, Luka Dončić, and the NBA playoffs.