Introduction
The 2025 NBA Playoffs delivered high drama, but few matchups drew as much attention as the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers series. On paper, the Lakers appeared stacked — led by LeBron James and newly acquired Luka Dončić. But basketball isn’t just about star power; it’s about execution, depth, and grit. The Timberwolves showcased all of those qualities, defeating the Lakers 4-1 in the first round.
Game 5 served as the nail in the coffin for the Lakers, with Minnesota’s big men taking over both ends of the court. Rudy Gobert was a towering force, Julius Randle added offensive punch, and the Wolves advanced with confidence.
This article dives deep into player statistics, game dynamics, and turning points from the series, with a specific focus on Game 5 — a night that sealed Minnesota’s place in the next round and left the Lakers searching for answers.
Game 5 Final Score: Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96
In Game 5, the Timberwolves showcased physical dominance and tactical clarity. They out-rebounded, out-hustled, and out-scored a Los Angeles Lakers team that looked worn out and poorly adjusted to playoff intensity.
Team Comparison (Game 5)
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Field Goal %: Timberwolves 47.8% | Lakers 44.1%
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Rebounds: Timberwolves 50 | Lakers 41
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Turnovers: Timberwolves 11 | Lakers 14
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Points in the Paint: Timberwolves 52 | Lakers 34
The Wolves’ defensive pressure and control of the boards dictated the tempo. The Lakers, though still competitive thanks to Luka Dončić and LeBron James, couldn’t counteract Minnesota’s energy.
Timberwolves: Game 5 Individual Player Stats
Rudy Gobert – C
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Points: 27
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Rebounds: 24
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Blocks: 4
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FG: 12/17
Gobert’s performance was not just dominant — it was historic. His 24 rebounds set a Timberwolves postseason record. He was an immovable anchor in the paint, limiting second-chance points and frustrating the Lakers’ bigs.
Julius Randle – PF
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Points: 23
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Rebounds: 10
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Assists: 4
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FG: 9/16
Randle served as Minnesota’s offensive catalyst early on. His ability to stretch the floor and take on mismatches gave the Wolves versatility, which they used to perfection.
Anthony Edwards – SG
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Points: 15
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Rebounds: 5
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Assists: 6
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Steals: 2
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FG: 5/18
Edwards had an off shooting night but still made critical plays in transition and showed leadership down the stretch. Notably, he had scored 43 points in Game 4, which broke the Lakers’ spirit heading into Game 5.
Mike Conley – PG
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Points: 12
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Assists: 8
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Steals: 1
The veteran guard provided composure and direction, controlling the game’s tempo and assisting on several key baskets.
Lakers: Game 5 Individual Player Stats
Luka Dončić – PG/SG
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Points: 28
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Rebounds: 7
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Assists: 9
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Turnovers: 6
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FG: 10/21
Offensively, Luka carried the team. Defensively, he was repeatedly exposed — particularly when switched onto quicker guards or isolated in the paint. His 6 turnovers were costly, especially in crunch time.
LeBron James – SF
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Points: 22
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Rebounds: 8
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Assists: 5
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FG: 9/18
LeBron gave everything he had, but at nearly 41 years old, he couldn’t maintain the same pace across four quarters. Still, he remained the Lakers’ most reliable presence.
D’Angelo Russell – PG
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Points: 11
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Assists: 4
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FG: 4/12
Russell struggled to find rhythm. His inability to penetrate Minnesota’s defense made the Lakers’ offense predictable.
Austin Reaves – SG
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Points: 9
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Rebounds: 4
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FG: 3/10
Reaves, who showed star flashes during the season, was neutralized this series by tough perimeter defense.
Series Recap: Why the Timberwolves Triumphed
The Timberwolves didn’t just win this series — they outclassed the Lakers in multiple dimensions.
1. Frontcourt Supremacy
Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle were physically overwhelming. They out-muscled and out-rebounded the Lakers’ bigs and dominated the interior.
2. Balanced Scoring
Where the Lakers leaned heavily on Luka and LeBron, the Wolves got contributions from their entire roster. Even their bench was more productive, adding 28 points in Game 5.
3. Defensive Versatility
Minnesota switched effectively, protected the rim, and rotated well on the perimeter. The Lakers often found themselves in late-shot-clock situations due to Minnesota’s defense.
4. Lakers’ Roster Disruption
The Dončić trade, while exciting, disrupted the Lakers’ midseason chemistry. Without Anthony Davis due to injury, the team lacked a reliable inside presence on both ends.
What’s Next for the Timberwolves?
With the Lakers behind them, Minnesota heads into the second round with momentum. Their confidence is high, and the combination of Gobert’s defense, Edwards’ athleticism, and Randle’s scoring makes them a dangerous opponent.
The Timberwolves must continue playing team-first basketball and stay healthy. If they do, a deep playoff run isn’t just possible — it’s expected.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The Lakers must face hard truths. Relying on two stars, both of whom are defensive liabilities in key moments, is not a sustainable formula. LeBron may return, but will he be the same? Can Dončić develop into a more complete leader?
Key areas of focus this offseason will be:
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Strengthening bench depth
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Improving perimeter defense
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Finding a reliable third scoring option
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Building chemistry around Dončić
Expect front office changes and possibly even a coaching shift as the franchise reassesses its direction.
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Conclusion
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs is more than just a series win — it’s a case study in team cohesion, defensive execution, and tactical discipline. The Lakers, despite their star-studded roster, fell short due to a combination of chemistry issues, injuries, and defensive breakdowns. Rudy Gobert’s Game 5 performance was one for the ages, and it highlighted how old-school dominance in the paint still matters in modern basketball.
As the Timberwolves push forward with renewed confidence, the Lakers enter a summer filled with uncertainty and urgent questions. The better team won — not just on the scoreboard, but in structure, spirit, and synergy.
FAQs (People Also Ask Style)
Q1: Who had the best performance in the Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 5?
A: Rudy Gobert had the standout performance with 27 points, 24 rebounds, and 4 blocks — dominating the game on both ends of the floor.
Q2: What was the final score of Game 5 between Timberwolves and Lakers?
A: The final score was 103-96 in favor of the Timberwolves, clinching the series 4-1.
Q3: Why did the Lakers lose the series against the Timberwolves?
A: The Lakers struggled with defense, lacked bench production, and had chemistry issues due to midseason roster changes. They also missed Anthony Davis due to injury.
Q4: How did Luka Dončić perform in the playoffs for the Lakers?
A: Luka Dončić put up strong offensive numbers (28 points in Game 5) but struggled defensively and committed multiple costly turnovers.
Q5: What’s next for the Timberwolves in the playoffs?
A: The Timberwolves advance to the second round and will face a new opponent with momentum and confidence, aiming for a deeper postseason run.
