Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs 2025- Lakers Gone Home in 5 As Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle Take Timberwolves to the Next Round

The Wolves kicked out the Lakers from the first-round series of the NBA Playoffs 2025.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It’s over for LeBron James and Co.! Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle combined 50 points to guide the Minnesota Timberwolves to a significant 103-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 in the first-round series. With this 1-4 series loss, the Lakers have been eliminated from the playoffs, marking their second-consecutive first-round exit.

On the other hand, the Wolves recorded their third first-round win. This is for the first time in the history of the franchise that the Wolves advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals of the playoffs for second straight year.

Rudy Gobert led the Wolves with his playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds. With this, he became the first player to record 25+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 80% shooting in a series-clinching win in the history of the league. He also became the fourth player to record 25/20 on 80%+ FG in a playoff game, and the first since 1996.

ROUND WON!!!!! pic.twitter.com/lLyH54HL6M
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 1, 2025

Apart from him, Julius Randle came up with 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists while Anthony Edwards contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Wolves Regain Control of Game in Fourth Quarter Despite Lakers’ Comeback in Second Half

The Wolves had dominance in the game for the majority of the time. Heading on the back of two-straight wins, they had Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and Mike Conley in the lineup. The sixth-seeds went in a 9-0 run half-way through the first quarter to gain a 21-9 lead on the Lakers. They ended the opening quarter with a 31-22 lead, owing to Rudy Gobert’s nine points with a 4-for-4 shooting. For the Lakers, Luka Doncic had six points.

Also Read: WATCH: JJ Redick Storms Out Of Press Conference After Being Asked About Second Half Substitutions in Game 4

The Lakers responded with a 11-2 run by the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second to cut the Wolves’ lead to 31-26. However, they couldn’t get past Minnesota and finished headed into halftime with a 59-49 deficit. The Wolves set a franchise record with 30 three-point records. Gobert put 15 points and 8 rebounds on the board.

roll the credits… pic.twitter.com/XfbQdP7YGk
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 1, 2025

The Lakers got close to the Wolves numerous times in the second half, including a 13-5 run to cut the deficit to 79-77 in the third quarter. The Third quarter ended with the Wolves maintaining a slim 81-80 lead. By that time, Gobert had set his career high with 16 rebounds. While it looked like a close contest, the Wolves retook the lead in the final quarter and pulled away, thanks to a late three-pointer from Mike Conley.

For the Lakers, Luka Doncic, playing his first playoff series with the team, scored 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Rui Hachimura tallied 23 points and four rebounds, while LeBron James dropped 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Coming back to the Wolves, they will face the winner of the Rockets’ series with the Golden State. Houston avoided an elimination on Wednesday and Game 6 is scheduled on Friday with the Dubs leading 3-2.

Also Read: “I Was Wrong” – John Haliburton Apologizes After Heated Exchange With Giannis Antetokounmpo Post Pacers vs. Bucks Game

Los Angeles Lakers

Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Playoffs 2025

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.