The Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves will play what could be a pivotal Game 3 in their first-round NBA playoff series on Friday night.
The Timberwolves got off to an ideal start in the series, posting an impressive 117-95 road win that spoiled the Lakers’ home-court advantage. Even with Luka Doncic putting up 37 points, Minnesota dominated the final three quarters to take a series lead, with Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid all scoring over 20 points.
However, the Lakers showed what they’re made of in Game 2, tightening up on defense in a 94-85 victory. The Timberwolves shot 51% from the field in the first meeting, but were held to just 38% in Tuesday’s contest. Doncic went off again, missing a triple-double by just one assist (31 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists).
Here’s how to watch Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Timberwolves and Lakers:
1Q: Timberwolves 32, Lakers 26
The Timberwolves trailed after the first quarter in Games 1 and 2. That trend has ended.
Minnesota made its first six shots and rode an 11-0 run to a 15-7 lead. The Lakers clawed back, pulling within a point. But soon enough the Timberwolves were off and running again.
Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle led Minnesota with eight points apiece. LeBron James and Austin Reaves led Los Angeles with six points each.
ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Luka Doncic has “an upset stomach and low energy.’’ In the first quarter, Doncic was 1-for-6 shooting for two points.
Lakers’ starting five
Rui Hachimura
LeBron James
Jaxson Hayes
Austin Reaves
Luka Doncic
Timberwolves’ starting five
Mike Conley
Anthony Edwards
Jaden McDaniels
Julius Randle
Rudy Gobert
What time is Lakers vs. Timberwolves Friday?
Game 3 of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves is set to start at 9:30 p.m. ET at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How to watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves NBA playoff game: TV, stream
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo, ESPN+, YouTube TV
Watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 3 on Fubo