The Minnesota Timberwolves brought LeBron James’ playoff dreams to a crashing halt on Wednesday night after sealing a dominant 103-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5, completing a 4-1 first-round series victory in the NBA playoffs.
With the win, the Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference semi-finals where they await the winner of the Golden State vs Houston Rockets clash.
At the center of Minnesota’s triumph was Rudy Gobert, who put on a monster performance. The French center tallied a commanding double-double of 27 points and 24 rebounds, dominating both ends of the court and proving unstoppable in the paint. It was a statement showing from a player who has faced his fair share of criticism in the past. But on this night, Gobert delivered when it mattered most.
RUDY GOBERT DOMINATES INSIDE TO LIFT THE @Timberwolves INTO THE WEST SEMIS!
27 PTS
24 REB (9 OREB)
2 BLK
80.0 FG% (12-15 FGM)Gobert is just the FOURTH player to record 25/20 on 80+ FG% in a playoff game… and the first since 1996 pic.twitter.com/UFAgmqZQE0
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025
The Lakers came into the series full of promise, riding the wave of momentum brought on by the blockbuster trade that landed them Luka Doncic in February. But after soaring to the third seed in the Western Conference, their postseason hopes were dashed in brutal fashion by a Timberwolves side that showed more grit, chemistry, and hunger throughout the series.
The game itself showcased why Minnesota were the better side. From the opening tip, they looked more composed and efficient. Gobert’s presence inside exposed the Lakers’ lack of a reliable defensive big man following the midseason departure of Anthony Davis to Dallas. Without Davis to protect the rim, Los Angeles had no answer to Gobert’s physicality and touch under the basket.
Julius Randle provided a powerful boost with 23 points for the Timberwolves, while rising star Anthony Edwards added a well-rounded 15 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Minnesota’s depth and balance were on full display, making them a real threat as they progress further in the playoffs.
MINNESOTA IS MOVING ON.
THE BEST PLAYS FROM THEIR 4-1 SERIES WIN OVER THE LAKERS ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/d7tzurrSMM
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025
Despite the loss, Doncic did his best to keep the Lakers in it. The Slovenian guard finished with 28 points, but he struggled to find rhythm from long range. LeBron James contributed 22 points and Rui Hachimura chipped in with 23, but the Lakers’ offense never quite found its stride. The trio of James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves managed only five three-pointers combined, a stat that underlined the team’s poor perimeter efficiency.
After the game, Gobert reflected on the Timberwolves’ season and the hard-fought win. “It feels great,” he told TNT. “We had a season full of ups and downs, so to come here and play the way we did means a lot. We just have a bunch of guys that want to win. A lot of guys who’ve been through adversity. We love each other, and everything we went through this season prepared us for this.”
For LeBron and the Lakers, it’s back to the drawing board. For the second consecutive year, they exit in the first round. It’s a disappointing end to a campaign that once looked so promising. And questions will certainly be asked about roster construction, especially the failure to reinforce their interior defense after Davis’ exit.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s confidence is soaring. With a healthy and dominant Gobert, explosive support from Randle and Edwards, and their chemistry clicking at just the right time, the Timberwolves look poised for a serious run.
In other playoff action, the Houston Rockets kept their postseason alive with a huge 131-116 win over Golden State. That result cut the Warriors’ series lead to 3-2 and sets up a high-stakes Game 6. But for now, all eyes are on the Timberwolves, who have officially become the team to watch in the West.
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