Rudy Gobert posted playoff career highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers 103-96 in Game 5 on Wednesday night, sending the Lakers home in the first round.
The Timberwolves overcame a woeful 7-for-47 shooting night from beyond the arc by exploiting the Lakers’ small-ball lineup, leaning heavily on Gobert’s presence in the paint.
Minnesota’s big man scored more points than he had in the first four games combined, capitalizing on Los Angeles’ decision to go without a traditional center.
Julius Randle added 23 points for the Timberwolves, while Anthony Edwards recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, despite shooting 0-for-11 from deep.
The Timberwolves missed 17 consecutive three-pointers between the second and fourth quarters but sealed the game when Mike Conley connected from long range with 1:22 remaining.
Minnesota, which trailed 2-1 earlier in the series, won three straight to close out the Lakers and advance to the second round for the second consecutive year.
LeBron James scored 22 points, Luka Doncic had 28 and nine assists, and Rui Hachimura chipped in 23 for Los Angeles, which exited in the first round for the second straight season.
The Timberwolves held the Lakers to just 16 points in the final quarter, outscoring them 22-16 to clinch the win in front of a stunned Crypto.com Arena crowd.
Minnesota dominated the glass, outrebounding the Lakers 54-37 and finishing with an 18-8 advantage in offensive boards.
Gobert finished 12-of-15 from the field and controlled the game on both ends, anchoring a defense that held Los Angeles to 42.3 percent shooting.
Despite acquiring Doncic in a major midseason trade, the Lakers failed to advance past the opening round for the fourth time in five years.
Los Angeles hit 11 three-pointers but committed 15 turnovers, including six by Austin Reaves, who shot 5-of-14 from the floor.
Minnesota awaits the winner of the Golden State–Houston series, which resumes Friday with the Warriors holding a 3-2 edge.
With the Lakers’ season over, speculation now turns to the futures of James and the front office after another early playoff exit.
