The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a pivotal 114-113 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their playoff series, taking a 3-1 lead. Anthony Edwards showcased his scoring prowess, finishing the game with a remarkable 43 points, including 16 in a decisive fourth quarter. No matter which side you were cheering for, as the game played out there were key turning points that determined the final outcome.
LeBron James, who played an exhausting 46 minutes, acknowledged postgame that he would have made different decisions had he been given another chance. Coming out of a timeout, he was clearly frustrated with himself over a play in which he let Luka Doncic strip him for an easy bucket. James admitted that in hindsight, he wished that after the timeout, he would have had one player bust out to the backcourt.
That fourth quarter would be a tipping point for the rookie Timberwolves. They held the Lakers to 19 points in those last 12 minutes while outscoring them 32-19 in that quarter, all but sealing the victory. That’s when the Lakers’ offense went cold over this span, hitting only 5 of 18 shots, and went an awful 3-for-9 with the game down to the last five minutes.
In a crucial moment late in the game, Luka Doncic attempted a layup that could have extended the Lakers’ lead to seven points but missed. This miss would become very costly as the Timberwolves took advantage. With just 10.7 seconds remaining, Edwards capped it off by converting two free throws after a lengthy video review. That left the Timberwolves up three points.
Despite Doncic carrying the Lakers with 38 total points, he was limited to just seven points in the fourth quarter. His performance was a complete reversal from James, who went scoreless in the fourth, missing both of his shots.
On the Lakers’ last possession, Rui Hachimura shot a corner three-pointer at the buzzer. Amazingly, he shanked it, keeping the score tied and denying the game its first overtime period. Things became even more difficult for the Lakers when they attempted to go just five deep in the second half. This extreme divergence away, with no replacements, is something that hasn’t happened in the NBA at least since 1998.
Rookie Jaden McDaniels made an important defensive contribution, guarding Doncic well down the stretch as the most critical minutes of the game unfolded. He notably defended Doncic when he fell to the floor in the backcourt, showcasing the intensity and pressure both teams faced as they vied for playoff positioning.
Edwards commented on the Lakers’ performance down the stretch, stating, “I felt like they were gassed going down the stretch.” His observation underscores the extreme physical toll being asked of both squads as they fight through an emotionally and physically grueling series.
Whether foreseen or unforeseen, the Timberwolves made their opponents pay dearly and often for every single one of their mistakes. It was their poise under pressure that proved key in clinching the victory. As this series continues, everyone will be watching to see how each team counters and adapts in Game 5.
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