Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs 2025- Lakers in 5 a Distant Dream As Timberwolves Lead 2–1 After Game 3

The Timberwolves are leading the first-round series 2-1.

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Lakers in 5 is now a dream for the Los Angeles Lakers as they suffered their second loss in the first-round series of the NBA Playoffs 2025. LeBron James and Co. were handed a 116-104 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, April 25. They are trailing the series 1-2 following the conclusion of Game 3.

The 17-time NBA champions recorded an early setback and went down to the lower-seeded Wolves 117-95 in the opening game. They didn’t let the Wolves continue their winning streak and made a solid comeback in Game 2, recording a 94-85 win to tie the series 1-1. While they were aiming to continue the winning momentum to keep the Lakers in 5 dream alive, Jaden McDaniels’ 30 points, five rebounds, and one assist ended their hopes.

another view 👀 https://t.co/amDjmbjGiS pic.twitter.com/WaX9bSIIWs
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 26, 2025

LeBron James Drops 38 Points, Fails To Push Lakers Beyond Victory Line Despite Entering NBA Record-books

The 22-time NBA All-Star LeBron James played like a true champion. He dropped the most points by a 40-year-old in NBA playoffs history as he scored 38 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. James was shooting 13-of-21 from the field and 5-of-9 from three. He finished the first half with 22 points and 6 rebounds, and carried the load offensively in a game where Luka Doncic suffered from poor health and was clearly not looking himself. With this, he tallied his 100th career 20-point half which is the most in the history of the league.

Also Read: ‘Where the Hell Are You Living?’ – Stephen A. Smith Blasts Nico Harrison Over Luka Doncic Comments

Apart from him, Austin Reaves chipped in 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. However, it clearly didn’t prove enough as the Wolves made the most of their home court advantage and snatched a win after leading the Lakers from the beginning. Anthony Edwards poured in 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists whereas Julius Randle tallied 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists for the Wolves.

The fourth game of the series will be played on Sunday, April 27 at Target Center before action shifts back to Crypto.com Arena.

Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers’ Playoff History

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.