The Los Angeles Lakers evened their first-round playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves at one game apiece on Tuesday night, defeating the visitors 94-85 behind Luka Doncic’s near triple-double performance at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, leading a defensive effort that reversed the narrative from the Game 1 blowout loss.
Speaking postgame, the 26-year-old guard emphasized the team’s mindset adjustment rather than tactical changes.
“We didn’t really change much,” Doncic said when asked about the defensive game plan. “It was just the question of if we’re going to be more physical or not. I think we showed that.”
The Lakers stormed out to a 34-15 lead in the first quarter and never trailed, with Austin Reaves contributing 16 points and LeBron James adding 21 points, 11 boards, and seven assists.
Minnesota shot just 38% from the field and struggled from deep, going 5-of-25 from three-point range.
When the Timberwolves trimmed the lead to single digits late, Doncic credited the Lakers’ composure and team chemistry.
“At some point they’re going to make a run,” he said. “Just don’t matter—no matter how we respond. And we responded by being who we are.”
Doncic also acknowledged the leadership role he shares with James as the series shifts to Minneapolis.
“It’s me and Bron, leaders of the team. We got to keep the team together,” he said. “Going into Minnesota is going to be a war. The fans are going to be cheering like crazy. No matter what, we can’t panic.”
The Lakers, coached by JJ Redick in his postseason debut, controlled the paint and held a 41-34 rebounding advantage while hitting all 20 of their free throw attempts.
When asked about the team’s offensive flow, Doncic said paint penetration was a focus: “When we touch the paint, a lot of great things happen. Gets them in the blender. We just got to do that more.”
Los Angeles also improved its ball movement with 23 assists, up from just 15 in Game 1. “I think we shared the ball great today, and we got to keep doing that,” Doncic noted.
Defensively, the Lakers maintained energy throughout. Doncic recalled a key fourth-quarter sequence where James stole the ball from Anthony Edwards.
“They were on a run, and [LeBron] made a great play. He made a winning play. That’s what I really appreciate.”
Rui Hachimura played through a bloody nose and contributed 11 points, while Doncic drew multiple fouls on Rudy Gobert, going 11-for-11 at the line.
The Timberwolves’ top scorers were Julius Randle with 27 and Edwards with 25, but the team committed 11 turnovers and failed to generate consistent bench production.
Doncic is no stranger to Minnesota’s home-court atmosphere after facing the Wolves in the Western Conference Finals last year and expects a hostile environment in Game 3.
“They have amazing fans and they’re very loud,” he said. “It’s us against the whole arena.”
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night at Target Center.
