The Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was a humbling experience for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Led by All-Star Anthony Edwards and a dominant defensive display, the Timberwolves dominated Game 1 of the first-round series, leaving Crypto.com Arena with a 117-95 victory.
James, who has featured in 288 playoff games throughout his career so far (most in NBA history), knows what it takes to win at the highest level. The 40-year-old guard aims to return to the NBA Finals for the 11th time and add a fifth ring to his collection.
Following the disappointing loss, the four-time MVP had a clear message for his teammates as they get ready for a critical Game 2 on Tuesday night.
LeBron James Addresses Lakers Team After Embarrassing Game 1 Loss
“You know you playing a Minnesota team, they’re going to be physical,” said James during his postgame interview. “Maybe it took us one playoff game to know what type of intensity they bring. We should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday.”
There is no reason to panic after dropping the first game in a best-of-seven series, but there were some concerning statistics for the Lakers, particularly on the defensive front.
Los Angeles gave up 38 points in the second quarter and 25 total fast-break points to Minnesota. The Timberwolves scored 44 points in the paint, and when the Lakers tried to shut that down, they found plenty of open opportunities from behind the arc, shooting 50% from the 3-point line.
Chris Finch’s team also came out on top in rebounds (44-38), steals (8-5), and finished with fewer turnovers (10-13).
First-year head coach JJ Redick will need to make adjustments if Los Angeles has any chance of recovering in this series. The Game 1 defeat served as a wake-up call to the Lakers’ roster, and James and his teammates should be better prepared when they step back on the court for Game 2.
The Lakers had plenty of time to prepare for but produced an uninspiring performance against an energetic and hungry Timberwolves group.
James, who averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game over the regular season, could not inspire his team to a late comeback after falling behind early. The Lakers’ superstar finished with 19 points on the night on 8-of-18 shooting and converted just one of his five 3-point attempts. He also chipped in with five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks.
Slovenian guard Luka Dončić led the Lakers in scoring and rebounding on the night, finishing with 37 points and eight rebounds.