Timberwolves beat Lakers by 22 in Game 1 of playoff series - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points, Naz Reid added 23 with six 3-pointers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame Luka Doncic's 37-point Lakers playoff debut for a 117-95 victory over Los Angeles on Saturday night.

Anthony Edwards had 22 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the first-round series opener for the sixth-seeded Wolves, who weathered Doncic's 16-point first quarter in front of a roaring L.A. crowd.

Minnesota then took control with a 38-20 second quarter and poured it on after halftime, showcasing its veteran poise and playoff experience. Julius Randle and Edwards hit four 3-pointers apiece as the Timberwolves made a franchise playoff-record 21 3-pointers on 42 attempts — with many of those shots taken without a defender in sight.

LeBron James had 19 points to begin his 18th NBA postseason, but the third-seeded Lakers were overwhelmed by the Wolves' shotmaking and playoff poise. The 22-point loss is tied for Lakers' largest margin of defeat in a Game 1 home loss in franchise history. It was also the largest loss in Game 1 of the first round by a James team in his career.

While Los Angeles is still searching for chemistry after acquiring Doncic two months ago, Minnesota is eager to improve on last season's run to the Western Conference finals.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

Jaden McDaniels was the star of Game 1, coming up big on both ends. He led Minnesota with 25 points, while holding Luka Doncic to 2-of-7 shooting with 2 turnovers on defense:

«It means Game 1,» Minnesota coach Chris Finch said. «We know it's going to be a long series. Like, we're not, you know, we're not under any assumption that it's going to be this type of game on Game 2. It'll be a