Anthony Edwards shines late as Minnesota clinches Game 3 against the Lakers in a lively Target Center atmosphere.
MINNEAPOLIS – To truly leverage home-court advantage, a team must capitalize on it.
This might sound reminiscent of a “Seinfeld” joke – it’s not about booking a rental car, it’s about keeping it – but the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled to benefit from their home games at Target Center recently.
After their playoff sweep of Phoenix last spring, they had a poor record of 1-5 at home against Denver and Dallas, contrasted with a 4-2 record on the road, leading to their elimination by the Mavericks in six games right at home.
This time could be different, as the Timberwolves secured their initial playoff game against the higher-seeded Los Angeles Lakers last weekend. They continued their momentum by defeating the Lakers again on Friday, 116-104, in the 2025 playoff opener before a roaring crowd.
Here are five key takeaways from the evening, where Minnesota outscored the Lakers 13-1 in the last 4 minutes and 37 seconds, taking a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 on Sunday at the same venue (3:30 ET, ABC).
1. Edwards Shines Late in Playmaker Role
Wolves coach Chris Finch has stated that the best version of Anthony Edwards occurs when he approaches a triple-double.
While not particularly efficient this series, Edwards’ contributions have been pivotal to Minnesota’s 2-1 lead. He scored 29 points on 26 attempts, along with eight rebounds and eight assists, including five 3-pointers.
With 4:37 left and the score tied at 103, Edwards hit a step-back 3-pointer to take the lead. He then assisted Naz Reid on a 28-footer that extended the lead before driving for a layup that pushed it to 111-104, outscoring the Lakers 7-1 in that final stretch.
His standout performance was particularly notable given that Lakers star Luka Dončić struggled on an off night due to reported health issues, relying on veteran LeBron James for support.
Luka Dončić faces challenges with a 6-for-16, 5-turnover outing against the Timberwolves in Game 3.
2. LeBron Defying Age and Expectations
LeBron James displayed remarkable performance in Game 3, scoring 38 points on 13-for-21 shooting with 10 rebounds, two blocked shots, and two steals, all while logging 41 minutes.
James was particularly impactful in the second quarter when Dončić struggled, scoring 16 points during that period. He made three consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth, bringing the Lakers back into contention from a 97-90 deficit.
While Father Time remains a factor, James continues to perform at an exceptional level, showcasing what few players, let alone 40-year-olds, have achieved in the NBA.
3. Smart Challenge Leads to Victory
When Finch called for a challenge with 2:05 left, there were three potential outcomes regarding an out-of-bounds call involving Edwards and Rui Hachimura.
Initially, it seemed Edwards had committed a foul, leading to a potential opportunity for Hachimura to score. However, after review, the call was overturned, confirming that Hachimura last touched the ball. This decision buoyed both the Timberwolves and their fans.
This victory was particularly vital, especially given the Lakers’ struggles with turnovers that night.
4. Dončić vs. Gobert: A Role Reversal
A notable moment came when Dončić faced off against Wolves center Rudy Gobert deep in the third quarter. This matchup echoed a decisive play from last summer’s playoffs, but this time the outcome was different.
As Dončić attempted to drive, Gobert disrupted the play, leading to Jaden McDaniels scoring on a fast break after being fouled by Dončić, turning the momentum further in Minnesota’s favor.
5. Quick Turnaround: Sunday Afternoon Game
The fast turnaround for these teams, with only 38 hours between games, poses a challenge. Both teams have remained largely healthy, but Dončić’s illness and the age of James could impact their performance for the upcoming afternoon matchup.
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Steve Aschburner has covered the NBA since 1980. You can reach him via e-mail here, explore his archive here, and follow him on X.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
