Despite LA’s newest superstar scoring 37 points, Minnesota rolled to victory when they seized the lead in the second quarter and never looked back, leading by as much as 27. The Lakers only led by single digits, their biggest being at eight.
Sharing the rock proved pivotal for the Wolves as they recorded 29 assists against LA’s 15.
They were also sizzling from beyond the arc, recording a 50% scoring clip from three-point land. The Wolves also set a franchise playoff-record of 21 threes.
Minnesota’s game plan was also to run as they tallied 25 fast break points to deal Doncic and company a thorough beating. The second quarter dictated the game as the Wolves outscored the home team at Crypto.com Arena, 38-20.
McDaniels topscored with 25 points while Naz Reid added 23 markers with six three pointers to pace the Wolves in the victory.
Edwards, for his part, had an all-around game with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in their best-of-seven series.
The team effort doused a red-hot Doncic who had 16 points in just the first quarter in his 37-point barrage.
Meanwhile, LeBron James had 19 points to begin his 18th NBA postseason but it was hardly a contest in the last three quarters of the ballgame.
Minnesota has now gotten their 18th win in the last 22 games.
