Los Angeles, California — In a thrilling playoff showdown, Rudy Gobert delivered a standout performance, recording a career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 103-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of their first-round series. The triumph marks a historic milestone for the Timberwolves, who achieved back-to-back playoff series wins for the first time in franchise history, eliminating the Lakers and their star players from contention.
Supporting Gobert, Julius Randle added 23 points while Anthony Edwards contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds. The sixth-seeded Timberwolves showcased their resolve, winning three consecutive games to knock out the formidable duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who were making their postseason debut together. The victory positioned Minnesota to face the winner of the series between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors, with Houston fighting to stay alive in Game 6 this Friday after dropping the first two contests.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points and nine assists, while James chipped in with 22 points. Rui Hachimura also stepped up for Los Angeles, contributing 23 points as the Lakers fell in the opening round for the second year in a row. Their struggles continued despite significant roster changes made midseason, including the high-profile trade for Doncic.
Minnesota’s success in Game 5 was driven by Gobert’s dominance in the paint, especially as the Lakers opted for a small-ball strategy, leaving them vulnerable to the Timberwolves’ inside game. Despite struggling with shooting, going just 7-for-47 from beyond the arc and experiencing a stretch of 17 consecutive missed three-pointers, Minnesota managed to secure the win. Mike Conley’s late three-pointer proved pivotal, allowing the Timberwolves to close out the game with confidence.
After splitting the initial games in Los Angeles, Minnesota gained momentum with two narrow victories at home, illustrating their superior execution in high-pressure situations. Gobert’s explosive performance in Game 5 was a stark contrast to his contributions in the earlier games, where he had scored less than half of his total points for the series.
As the game entered the final moments, the Timberwolves maintained a narrow lead, while the Lakers struggled offensively, missing five consecutive attempts and going over three minutes without a point. This slump proved costly, as Minnesota capitalized on the Lakers’ missteps to seal their advancement.
Coach JJ Redick’s choice to stick with a small lineup in Game 5 raised eyebrows, particularly after the Lakers’ decision to change their starting lineup by keeping Dorian Finney-Smith instead of center Jaxson Hayes. Redick defended his strategy, maintaining that the approach aligned with their game plan.
The game’s physicality reached a boiling point when Doncic left the court late in the second quarter due to a hard foul, raising concerns about his health. He returned for the second half, sporting a large back brace that he ultimately discarded. Meanwhile, James experienced discomfort in his ankle but returned shortly after hitting the bench, indicative of the grit both teams exhibited in this high-stakes matchup.
With this victory, the Timberwolves not only celebrated their historic achievement but also demonstrated their potential as contenders in the playoffs, while the Lakers will reflect on their struggles and seek answers as they face another early postseason exit.