Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed Sunday that the team will maintain its usual starting five for Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite falling behind 2-1 in the series.
Redick stated that LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes will start, the same group that opened the previous three games.
The Lakers are looking to rebound after a tough 116-104 loss in Game 3, where Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with a career-high 30 points and limited Doncic to 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Doncic battled a stomach illness leading into Game 3 and spent most of Saturday resting, but Redick indicated Sunday that the All-Star guard is feeling better.
Minnesota capitalized on Los Angeles’ mistakes Friday, turning 19 Lakers turnovers into 28 points while dominating the paint by a 56-26 margin.
Anthony Edwards contributed 29 points and Julius Randle added 22 for the Timberwolves, while McDaniels’ defensive pressure disrupted the Lakers’ offense down the stretch.
LeBron James led Los Angeles with 38 points in Game 3, including several late three-pointers, but was unable to carry the team through Minnesota’s fourth-quarter surge.
Austin Reaves added 20 points and connected on five three-pointers, but Los Angeles shot only 65 percent from the free-throw line and struggled defensively in the closing minutes.
The Lakers previously responded in Game 2 with a strong defensive effort, holding Minnesota to 85 points, and will need a similar performance to avoid falling into a 3-1 series deficit.
Game 4 tips off tonight in Minneapolis, with both teams fully aware of the stakes as the series continues.
