The Los Angeles Lakers fell 116-113 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, leaving them trailing 3-1 in their first-round series.
Luka Doncic, who led Los Angeles with 38 points despite a recent illness, spoke candidly after the narrow loss.
“It’s definitely disappointing,” Doncic said postgame. “But nothing is lost, nothing. It’s first to four wins, and we just got to still believe.”
The Lakers led by as many as 12 points late in the third quarter and were up 10 entering the fourth, but once again faltered down the stretch.
Anthony Edwards spearheaded Minnesota’s comeback with a 43-point effort, including two crucial free throws in the final seconds after drawing a foul on LeBron James.
When asked whether fatigue was a factor in the collapse, Doncic dismissed the notion, saying, “This is the playoffs. Fatigue shouldn’t play any role in this.”
Doncic, who had been battling a stomach illness in recent days, credited rest for his improved condition but refused to use health as an excuse.
“There’s no excuse for not winning this game,” he emphasized.
Late-game execution again proved costly for the Lakers, including a miscommunication on an inbound play with one second left to cross halfcourt.
Doncic explained, “We had two screens, so either me or AR should receive the ball. I thought LeBron was going to throw it there, he thought I was going to put it there, so it’s kind of a miscommunication.”
Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels capitalized on the ensuing chaos, completing a three-point play and stealing the ball from James to set up the final sequence.
Despite the setback, Doncic expressed determination to fight back, framing the uphill battle as a “fun challenge” for the team.
“It’s going to be very hard. Every possession is going to matter, and we’re going to go 100%, no matter what,” Doncic said.
Throughout the series, the Timberwolves have outscored the Lakers by 36 points combined in fourth quarters, underlining a major concern for Los Angeles entering Game 5.
While LeBron James recorded a milestone 144th playoff double-double, he was scoreless in the fourth, and Austin Reaves’ last-second three-point attempt missed.
Doncic stressed the importance of maintaining aggression, pointing to their strong third quarter where ball movement and paint touches fueled success.
The Lakers now face elimination when the series shifts back to Los Angeles on Wednesday, needing three consecutive wins to advance.
With Minnesota’s depth and Edwards’ standout performances, the pressure is squarely on Los Angeles to find solutions and extend their postseason.
