Minnesota Timberwolves Rally Past Lakers to Take 3–1 Series Lead Behind Anthony Edwards’ 43 Points

MINNEAPOLIS (WE) — After a rollercoaster regular season packed with ups and downs, the Minnesota Timberwolves have found another gear at just the right time.

On Sunday night, the Wolves pulled off a dramatic 116–113 comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers, seizing a commanding 3–1 lead in their first-round NBA Playoff series. It was an electric night at Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, fueled by a clutch and courageous rally sparked by some of Minnesota’s rising stars — and a defense that has turned the series upside down.

Jaden McDaniels capped the Timberwolves’ surge with a critical three-point play with 39.5 seconds left to take the lead. Moments later, McDaniels stole the inbounds pass from LeBron James, shifting all the momentum toward Minnesota as a stunned Lakers bench looked on.

Then came Anthony Edwards — who delivered a playoff performance for the ages.

McDaniels’ Heroics Seal the Win

Trailing by 12 points late in the third quarter and with the Lakers surging, the Timberwolves turned to their defense and their young core. McDaniels delivered one of the biggest plays of the night: converting a three-point play with 39.5 seconds remaining to give Minnesota a 114–113 lead. Then, on the very next play, he stole the inbounds pass from none other than LeBron James, setting off a deafening roar from the Target Center crowd.

“I just read it,” McDaniels said afterward. “I knew he was looking for a quick hit. I jumped it, got my hands on it — we weren’t letting this one slip.”

McDaniels, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, embodied the Timberwolves’ gritty, scrappy identity.

Edwards’ Breakout Night

Edwards scored 43 points, marking the first time in this year’s postseason that he led the Wolves in scoring — and doing it when his team needed it most. His aggressiveness attacking the rim and ice-cold precision from midrange were on full display, carving up a Lakers defense that had looked impenetrable at times in this series.

With 10 seconds left, Edwards drew a crucial foul on James while driving hard to the basket. Stepping to the line under enormous pressure, he coolly drained both free throws to extend Minnesota’s lead.

When Austin Reaves launched a potential game-tying three-pointer from the corner as time dwindled, it clanged off the rim — and the Timberwolves faithful roared in celebration.

Timberwolves Find Their Identity

The Wolves trailed by 12 late in the third quarter. In seasons past — and even earlier this year — that kind of deficit might have spelled doom. But something has changed within this group. Coach Chris Finch pointed to the team’s mental toughness postgame.

“It’s been a hallmark of this team in the second half of the season: There’s been no panic,” Finch said. “We just believe in ourselves and trust each other.”

That composure was on full display as Julius Randle added 25 points and McDaniels finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Minnesota’s defense also stiffened dramatically in the fourth quarter, holding James scoreless while forcing Los Angeles into contested, low-percentage shots.

LeBron’s Historic Night Ends Quietly

Despite the loss, LeBron James etched another line into the history books. With 27 points and 12 rebounds, James recorded his 144th career playoff double-double, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for third-most in NBA postseason history, trailing only Tim Duncan and Magic Johnson.

James was aggressive, attacking the paint and earning 15-of-18 free-throw shooting. It was the best offensive performance for the Lakers in the series — until the fourth quarter arrived.

In the final 12 minutes, James was held scoreless, thanks to a relentless Minnesota defense spearheaded by McDaniels and Naz Reid.

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Luka Doncic Battles Illness

Los Angeles got a boost from Luka Dončić, who shook off a stomach bug that limited him to 17 points in Game 3. On Sunday, Doncic poured in 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting.

But despite feeling much better physically, Doncic struggled when it mattered most. He went just 1-for-6 in the fourth quarter, including several misses in the paint against Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Afterward, Doncic remained optimistic.

“We haven’t lost nothing yet,” Doncic said. “It’s still the first one to four wins, and we’ve just got to still believe.”

Reaves, Finney-Smith Provide Sparks

The Lakers showed resilience during a furious third-quarter run that briefly silenced the Target Center crowd. Austin Reaves, who was in foul trouble much of the first half and scoreless at halftime, got rolling early in the third.

After a pair of dazzling step-back threes, Reaves connected with Dorian Finney-Smith on a fast break to give Los Angeles a slim lead late in the fourth quarter.

But the Timberwolves refused to wilt. A key McDaniels steal and timely free throws from Edwards sealed the stunning comeback.

The Wolves’ Fourth-Quarter Dominance

One of the most telling statistics of this series has been the Timberwolves’ domination in the fourth quarter. Over the four games, Minnesota has outscored Los Angeles 105–69 in the final frame.

This wasn’t an accident.

Finch made critical adjustments after the regular season exposed late-game vulnerabilities. By leaning heavily on Mike Conley Jr. to manage the offense and putting the ball in Edwards’ hands more often, the Wolves have turned crunch time into their time.

“We believe the fourth quarter is our quarter,” Conley said. “It’s when we lock in the most.”

J.J. Redick Faces Major Test

Lakers head coach J.J. Redick — in his first playoff series since taking over — now faces his biggest coaching challenge yet. Redick stuck with the same lineup throughout the third quarter, a move that energized the Lakers temporarily but may have cost them legs in the closing minutes.

Now, Redick must rally his team for Game 5 back in Los Angeles, facing elimination.

“It’s going to be even harder to get the next one,” Randle said, “so we’re going to have to fight through a lot. But like we’ve done all year, we’ve got to rely on each other, play for one another, and we genuinely feel like if we do that, we give ourselves the best chance to win.”

What’s Next: Game 5

The series shifts back to Crypto.com Arena for Game 5 on Wednesday night. It’s win-or-go-home time for the Lakers, while the Timberwolves are just one victory away from winning a playoff series for only the second time in franchise history — and the first since 2004.

If Minnesota closes out the series, they could face either the Denver Nuggets or Phoenix Suns in the next round, depending on results elsewhere in the Western Conference bracket.

But first, the Wolves must finish what they started.

“We know they’re going to come out with everything they have,” said Finch. “This next one will be the hardest yet.”

Final Box Score Highlights

Key Storylines to Watch

• Can the Lakers regroup? James has shown superhuman resilience throughout his career, but with a 39-year-old body, can he shoulder the load once again?
• Is Edwards ascending to superstardom? The 22-year-old is making a case that he’s the next face of the Timberwolves — and perhaps of the NBA.
• Will Luka’s health hold up? After struggling late, the Mavericks star must find his full stamina if Los Angeles hopes to mount a comeback.
• Can Finch outcoach Redick again? So far, Minnesota’s in-game adjustments have been sharper.

Timberwolves Fans Believe

Outside Target Center after the final buzzer, fans clad in Timberwolves gear danced and shouted in the streets. It’s been a long time since Minnesota basketball felt this alive.

And if Anthony Edwards keeps playing like this — and if McDaniels, Randle, and the rest keep grinding — these Wolves might just make a deep, deep run.