Lakers Caught Off Guard by More Physical Wolves in Game 1 Loss
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Sure! Here’s a rewritten version of the article, keeping the key details and quotes but tightening the language and improving flow for readability:
Timberwolves Dominate Lakers in Game 1, Expose L.A.'s Lack of Physical Edge
LOS ANGELES — For the first time in three seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t have to fight through the play-in tournament. They had a week to rest, recover, and prepare for their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But when Game 1 tipped off Saturday night, it was clear the Lakers weren’t ready for the Timberwolves' raw physicality. Minnesota steamrolled L.A. 117–95, setting the tone in a series that looks far more competitive than the seeding suggests.
“It’s not that we weren’t mentally prepared,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “Physically, we didn’t respond. When they ramped up the pressure and played with real force, we didn’t match it.”
Lakers guard Austin Reaves echoed the sentiment: “They just physically beat us from the start.”
From the second quarter through the middle of the third, Minnesota outscored the Lakers 67–33, seizing control behind a dominant frontcourt of Rudy Gobert (7-1), Jaden McDaniels (6-9), and Julius Randle (6-9). Their size and physicality overwhelmed L.A., forcing turnovers and dictating pace.
Despite a hot 16-point first quarter from Luka Dončić in his playoff debut as a Laker, the rest of the team struggled. Dončić finished with 37 points but just one assist. “I tried to set the tone early,” Dončić said. “But one assist — that’s not good enough.”
LeBron James, who’s played in more playoff games than anyone in NBA history, chalked the blowout up to a lesson in postseason intensity. “Maybe it took a game to realize how physical this series is going to be,” he said. “But now we know.”
McDaniels and Naz Reid did the most damage from the perimeter, combining for 48 points on 9-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc. The Wolves hit a franchise playoff record 21 threes on 42 attempts.
Edwards, who added 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds despite dealing with cramps, said the team was focused on playing physical without fouling. “We wanted to be aggressive without putting them in the bonus early,” he said. “Once those free throws start falling, guys like Luka and Bron get into rhythm.”
The Lakers did have moments — particularly after going small in the third quarter. Redick benched starting center Jaxson Hayes and leaned on wings like Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt to bring more activity. Vanderbilt helped cut a 27-point deficit to 12 early in the fourth, but Minnesota responded and pulled away.
“They punched us first,” Vanderbilt said. “They were the more physical team. They won the 50-50 balls, the offensive rebounds, the hustle plays — all of it. In the playoffs, that’s what wins games.”
Now down 0–1, the Lakers have just two days to regroup before Game 2 on Tuesday night.
“We’ll be ready,” said Dončić. “It’s the playoffs. First to four.”
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