The Minnesota Timberwolves took control of their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, rallying for a 116-113 win behind a dominant performance from Anthony Edwards.
Edwards poured in 43 points and sank two critical free throws with 10 seconds remaining after drawing a foul on LeBron James, helping Minnesota take a commanding 3-1 lead.
The Lakers had a chance to tie the game in the final moments, but Austin Reaves’ three-point attempt from the corner rimmed out as time expired.
Jaden McDaniels delivered a pivotal three-point play with 39.5 seconds left and immediately stole the ensuing inbounds pass from James, swinging momentum firmly in the Timberwolves’ favor.
Minnesota trailed by as many as 12 points late in the third quarter before outscoring Los Angeles 32-19 in the final period.
Julius Randle chipped in 25 points for the Timberwolves, while McDaniels contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds in a complete effort.
Luka Doncic bounced back from a stomach illness to lead the Lakers with 38 points on 13-of-28 shooting, but he struggled in the fourth quarter, making just one of six shots.
James recorded 27 points and 12 rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain for the third-most playoff double-doubles in NBA history with 144, though he was held scoreless in the fourth.
Austin Reaves, who was held without a point in the first half due to foul trouble, finished with 17 points and nearly forced overtime.
Rui Hachimura added 23 points for Los Angeles, who saw a strong third-quarter push evaporate as Minnesota once again dominated late.
The Timberwolves have now outscored the Lakers by a combined 105-69 in the fourth quarter across the first four games of the series.
Game 5 is set for Wednesday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will face elimination on their home court.
McDaniels’ late-game heroics and Edwards’ star turn have pushed the Timberwolves within one victory of advancing to the second round.
The Lakers, who got a spark from Dorian Finney-Smith’s clutch three-pointers late but could not maintain the lead, will need a massive turnaround to extend the series.
Minnesota’s depth proved decisive, with contributions from Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and others helping offset a rough shooting night from Rudy Gobert.
As the Timberwolves look to close out the series, the Lakers are left searching for answers to contain Edwards and match Minnesota’s late-game execution.
