The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime to secure the 7th seed in the Western Conference standings. It was a closely contested game, with both teams fighting hard throughout. The Lakers managed to maintain a small lead for much of the game, but the Timberwolves kept the pressure on and managed to tie the game in the final minutes of regulation. In the end, the Lakers managed to pull ahead in overtime and secure the victory. This win gives the Lakers a more favorable playoff position and sets them up for a strong postseason run.
The Los Angeles Lakers have faced numerous challenges this season, so it was no surprise when Anthony Davis committed a costly foul that put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. With just 0.1 seconds left on the clock, Davis allowed Minnesota’s Mike Conley to tie the game and potentially steal a playoff spot.
Despite this setback, the Lakers didn’t give up. After five tense overtime minutes, they emerged victorious, securing a playoff berth that had seemed out of reach just a few months earlier.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James signals during the first half of an NBA basketball play-in tournament game against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
LeBron James played a pivotal role, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the Lakers to a 108-102 win over the short-handed Timberwolves in the NBA’s play-in tournament on Tuesday night.
Although Conley hit three clutch free throws to tie the game, the Lakers stayed focused and won their 10th game in 12 overall. Their reward for this hard-fought victory is a first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, who finished as the second seed in the Western Conference.
Anthony Davis acknowledged that it had been a grueling journey for the Lakers to reach this point, and their latest win had taken everything out of them. However, they have a few days to prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies and showcase their true identity.
Dennis Schroder played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 21 points and hitting a clutch 3-pointer to break the tie with 1.4 seconds left in regulation. He also sealed the win with two free throws in the extra session.
The Lakers faced a tough start to the season, going 2-10 before turning things around and making it to the playoffs. With everyone healthy and in rhythm, Lakers coach Darvin Ham believes they are in a great position heading into the most important time of the year.
Despite their victory, the Wolves put up a strong fight and forced overtime thanks to Mike Conley’s clutch free throws. Davis and James admitted there was a mix-up about who was supposed to defend the shooter in the corner, leading to the foul.
After committing a baffling foul that allowed the Minnesota Timberwolves to tie the game and snatch a playoff berth from their hands with 0.1 seconds on the regulation clock, the Los Angeles Lakers finally claimed a postseason berth after winning the game in overtime with a score of 108-102. LeBron James scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Dennis Schroder added 21 points, including a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left in regulation, and two free throws in the extra session. The Lakers will now face the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round starting Sunday.
Anthony Davis took responsibility for his mistake, stating that it was “totally on me.” The Lakers rallied from a 15-point deficit, holding the Wolves to seven points in the final 11 minutes of the game. Minnesota gave an inspired effort, playing without starters Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. The Wolves will host New Orleans or Oklahoma City on Friday for the eighth spot and a first-round date with top-seeded Denver beginning Sunday.
After leading for most of the game, Minnesota went scoreless for six full minutes in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles began its comeback after Karl-Anthony Towns had to sit with his fifth foul. The Wolves missed 11 consecutive shots before Anthony Edwards’ dunk with 2:36 left in overtime. Edwards scored just nine points, more than 15 below his average, and left the court brief in the second half to get tape on his left shoulder after taking an early fall.
Schroder stepped up for D’Angelo Russell, who had a difficult game for Los Angeles against the team that traded him in February. Russell had eight assists but scored only two points on 1-of-9 shooting before getting benched down the stretch.