The Minnesota Timberwolves took control of their first-round playoff series Friday night, outlasting the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 to seize a 2-1 series lead behind a standout defensive effort and clutch late-game execution.
After the victory at Target Center, Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert outlined the team’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of consistency and resilience in the matchup against Los Angeles.
“Our goal is to let them down, doing it over and over and over, and stay poised to where we are,” Gobert said during his postgame interview, highlighting the importance of sustaining energy and wearing down the opposition throughout the series.
Despite not attempting a field goal in Game 3, Gobert left his mark defensively, helping anchor Minnesota’s interior against a Lakers team that shot just 47.4% from the floor and struggled to generate consistent looks down the stretch.
Minnesota dominated the paint with a 56-26 scoring advantage inside, powered by Julius Randle’s 22 points and Anthony Edwards’ 29-point performance, while Jaden McDaniels delivered a career-high 30 points and limited Luka Doncic to 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting.
Gobert credited the Timberwolves’ depth and collective focus for the victory, pointing to the critical contributions from the bench and the importance of maintaining a long-term mindset during the playoffs.
“It’s a marathon,” Gobert said when discussing his limited minutes late in the game, adding that Minnesota’s roster depth allows them to stay fresh and continue applying pressure deep into contests.
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 38 points, but the Lakers’ offense faltered late as the Timberwolves closed the game with a 13-1 run over the final 4:37, fueled by timely baskets from Edwards and relentless defensive pressure.
The Timberwolves forced 19 Lakers turnovers, turning them into 28 points, and held their opponents to only one point in the closing minutes after Doncic briefly tied the game with a corner jumper.
Gobert acknowledged James’ performance, calling it “incredible” and praising the veteran’s leadership and decision-making at 40 years old, but maintained that Minnesota’s commitment to wearing down their opponents remains central to their approach.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Minneapolis, where Minnesota will aim to push the Lakers to the brink of elimination.
