The Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in a big way on Tuesday night, knotting up their first-round playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves at one game apiece. Behind another vintage performance from LeBron James and a near triple-double from Luka Doncic, the Lakers secured a gritty 94-85 win at Crypto.com Arena, shifting the momentum of the series before it heads to Minnesota.
After the game, James was asked what he’s learned about Doncic since teaming up with him on this postseason run. His answer was simple, but telling: “I’ve watched it for seven years so nothing at all. Luka is Luka.”
That much was clear in Game 2. Doncic was once again dominant, finishing with 31 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, and a block, while shooting a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line. His control of the game’s tempo and ability to create both for himself and others made the difference down the stretch. Now averaging 31.0 points through 52 career playoff games, Doncic trails only Michael Jordan in postseason scoring average — a stat that speaks to just how historic his early playoff career has been.
LeBron, meanwhile, did what he’s done for two decades — anchor his team in a must-win game. The 40-year-old star logged 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in 39 minutes, adding a steal and a block while playing with the poise and control that has made him one of the most dependable postseason performers in NBA history. It was the exact response the Lakers needed after being blown out in Game 1.
While the Timberwolves still have home-court advantage, the Lakers flipped the tone of the series heading into Games 3 and 4 in Minneapolis. James was quick to acknowledge the challenge of playing in Minnesota, but also confident in the Lakers’ approach.
“Hostile environment, but we gotta come in with the same mindset as we had tonight,” James said. “Understand that it’s a playoff game, no possessions [that] we can take off, we gotta play with intensity, energy, and effort.”
The Timberwolves were 25-16 at Target Center during the regular season and will now look to capitalize on that home-court edge. But after Tuesday’s physical, defensive-driven performance, it’s the Lakers who may have seized the mental edge.
With Game 3 set for Friday night and Game 4 following on Sunday, the series is poised for more fireworks. If James and Doncic continue playing at this level — and if the Lakers’ supporting cast steps up — this series could swing dramatically in Los Angeles’ favor.
