The Minnesota Timberwolves are a win away from securing a first-round upset over the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a 116-113 victory in Sunday’s Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead.
In a game that went back and forth for all 48 minutes, the Timberwolves were able to pull away due to a string of clutch plays in the final 40 seconds. First, Jaden McDaniels made a layup while getting fouled by Austin Reaves with 39.1 seconds remaining to tie the game at 113-113. McDaniels hit the ensuing free throw to give his team a one-point lead.
McDaniels played tight defense on Luka Doncic on the inbound following his free-throw make, with the Lakers star stumbling at midcourt with 33 seconds left. Los Angeles was forced to call a timeout, but McDaniels came up with a steal on LeBron James’ pass with 30 seconds remaining.
As the Timberwolves sought to add to their lead in the final seconds, Anthony Edwards drove to the rim, but lost the ball and watched it go out of bounds with 10.1 seconds left. However, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch challenged the call, which was overturned and ruled to be a foul on James. With the Lakers being over the foul limit, Edwards went to the free-throw line and made both attempts to give the Timberwolves a 116-113 lead.
The Lakers called their last timeout after Doncic’s trip, so they couldn’t advance the ball following Edwards’ free-throw makes. They were still able to get a good look to try and tie the game, though. The Timberwolves opted not to foul up three, with Reaves getting open in the corner in the final seconds. His game-tying 3-point attempt rimmed out right before the buzzer, though.
Edwards’ two made free throws at the end gave him a game-high 43 points as he outdueled the Lakers’ two top stars. Doncic finished with 38 points while James had 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in 46 minutes. But James didn’t score in the fourth quarter of the loss.
Game 5 will take place Wednesday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will look to save their season or the Timberwolves will advance to the second round.
This is a developing story.
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