NBA: Regardless of fashion, Lakers, Timberwolves know Game 3 is important

If you ask Los Angeles Lakers trainer JJ Redick, no two NBA playoff video games are the similar.

One could be a low-scoring, bodily affair. The subsequent could be a shootout.

READ: NBA: Luka Doncic, Lakers muscle previous Timberwolves to even sequence

It’s any one’s bet how the tempo will spread when the Lakers tip off towards the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night time in Game 3 in their Western Conference quarterfinal sequence. The groups break up the primary two video games of the sequence in Los Angeles and now will play the following two video games in Minneapolis.

After the Timberwolves took Game 1, the Lakers bounced again for a 94-85 victory in Game 2. Minnesota’s 85 issues marked its lowest output of the season.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives towards Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) throughout the second one part of Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff in Los Angeles, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

“I’ve seen enough of these and been in enough of these that you can have these low-scoring games and low-offensive output games that are very physical,” Redick mentioned. “And then hastily, someone begins making 3s, there’s a couple of turnovers that ends up in a high-transition part, and someone ratings 120.

“That’s just kind of how basketball works. Every game is a little different. But I think the mentality from both teams is to have a rock fight.”

Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves with 23.5 issues in line with sport throughout the sequence’ first two contests. He is taking pictures 40.9 p.c general and 35.3 p.c from deep.

READ: NBA: Lakers have some fast paintings to do after Game 1 blowout loss vs Timberwolves

Julius Randle (21.5 issues in line with sport), Jaden McDaniels (16.5) and Naz Reid (16.0) are also averaging double digits in scoring.

For the Lakers, Luka Doncic leads the way in which with 34 issues in line with sport within the sequence. He is taking pictures 50 p.c general and 38.9 p.c from 3-point vary.

LeBron James is averaging 20 issues in line with sport, adopted through Austin Reaves (16 ppg) and Rui Hachimura (10 ppg).

Timberwolves trainer Chris Finch performed a movie consultation along with his avid gamers after Game 2. He advised the group to concentrate on the following sport and to embody taking part in on their house court docket.

“We just told the guys, our performances in L.A. and the results out there, all we’ve done is earn the right to be able to be great at home,” Finch mentioned. “That’s what we’ve were given to do.

READ: NBA: Lakers purpose to be extra ready for Timberwolves’ physicality

“We’ve got to come out with a big start (on Friday). It should be a lot of fun and get the series back in our advantage.”

Timberwolves guard Mike Conley mentioned he and his teammates had to play a valid, basic sport after committing too many sloppy errors of their ultimate sport.

“Doing the easy thing can sometimes be the hard thing for us,” Conley mentioned. “We simply want to proceed to do the simple reads, proceed to make the short selections and (emphasize) speaking on protection.

“The stuff that we ask ourselves to do every single night, every single game, those are the things we sometimes slip up on. We try to do too much or try to overthink certain things and make it a little more difficult than it needs to be.”

On the Lakers’ facet, James mentioned he and his teammates had to deal with their depth on protection whilst discovering tactics to toughen their potency on offense.

“We could still be better offensively,” James mentioned. “… We’re going to continue to get better, continue to watch the film, see ways we can break down the defense and continue to get good looks.” –Field Level Media