Rudy Gobert's best career playoff game couldn't have come at a better time for Minnesota.
Gobert muscled his way to a post-season best 27 points and 24 rebounds as the Timberwolves closed out the Los Angeles Lakers,103-96, in Game 5 of their West opening-round series, Thursday (PH time), May 1.
MAKE IT 27 POINTS, 21 REBOUNDS!!
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025
Rudy Gobert is EVERYWHERE as Minnesota looks to clinch the series 🔥 https://t.co/ee7YoEfuyS
Minnesota now joined the OKC Thunder in the semifinals while waiting for the winner of the Golden State-Houston series. The Warriors hold a 3-2 lead over the Rockets.
MINNESOTA COMPLETES THE GENTLEMAN'S SWEEP 🐺
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 1, 2025
The @Timberwolves are moving on to the #NBAPlayoffs West Semifinals!
The four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner dominated inside in perhaps his finest performance wearing a Timberwolves jersey.
Julius Randle added 22 markers while Anthony Edwards scored just 15 points, but hauled down 11 rebounds and dished out eight dimes.
2 OFFENSIVE BOARDS.
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025
RANDLE PAYS IT OFF WITH A BIG BUCKET.
Timberwolves (leading 3-1) are up in the 4th on TNT looking to advance 🍿
Meanwhile, it was the end of the road for LA as Luka Doncic’s team-high 28 points were not enough to extend the Lakers' season.
Doncic exited with 1:00 left in the second frame due to an apparent lower back injury but returned to start the third frame.
Luka Doncic headed to the locker room with an apparent back injury just before halftime vs. Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/f1qJSpwGnG
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 1, 2025
Rui Hachimura chipped in 23 markers while LeBron James contributed 20, but the Lakers suffered their second straight first-round exit.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]
