Minnesota Timberwolves Dominate in Game 1, Lakers and Jokic Shine | 247Sports News

Minnesota Timberwolves Start Strong, Lakers Struggle

The Minnesota Timberwolves laid down the law in game one against the Los Angeles Lakers, cruising to a 112-105 victory on the road. The Wolves relied on a seven-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back, leading Led by a combined 52 points from Jaden McDaniels (25) and Naz Reid (23) , the Timberwolves showcased their prowess, also setting a playoff record with 21 made 3-pointers.

Luka Doncic lamented an impressive 37 points, aided by LeBron James’ 19, but the Lakers’ poor first quarter shooting haunted them throughout the game. The Wolves’ relentless pressure forced the Lakers into a state of mental confusion, as coach JJ Redick admitted: “Our state of mind was good, but when they started playing with a lot of pressure and physics, we did not react immediately.”

Jokic and Nuggets Claim Home Victory Against the Clippers

Over in Denver, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to a nail-biting 112-110 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. The reigning MVP fueled his team with a triple-double of 29 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds, including a game-tying shot in the final seconds of regulation. Aaron Gordon contributed 25 points to secure the overtime win against a determined Clippers squad, paced by James Harden’s 32 points and 11 assists.

Knicks and Pacers Seal Home Wins, Bucks Fall Short

At Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks trumped the Detroit Pistons 123-112, fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 34-point performance. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers delivered a 117-98 blow to the Milwaukee Bucks, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s heroic 36 points and 12 rebounds.

Did you know?

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 21 made 3-pointers shattered the previous playoff record of 18.