The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-96 in Game 5 to clinch the opening round series. Prior to last season, the Timberwolves had been eliminated from the playoffs in both the 2022 and 2023 NBA Playoffs.
After reaching the Western Conference Finals last season, Minnesota has advanced to the Conference Semi-Finals two years in a row. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards celebrated the series-clinching victory by walking outside of the Crypto Arena and talking trash to fans.
"They said ‘Lakers in 5,’ and when we was up 3-1, they said ‘Lakers in 7.’ Go to **** today… Good guys don’t die in this movie, Morris Chestnut died in this movie," Edwards said.
In the series, Edwards led his team in both points and assists. Although he was the star that led the team, it was a solid effort from his supporting cast as well. Since the Lakers were the No. 3 seed and had the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, they were the favorites to win the series.
It's been a season of ups and downs for the Timberwolves. Although in terms of playoff seeds, the Lakers were the higher seed, but only one win separated the two teams in the regular season. In Game 5 and most of the series, the Lakers were outmatched in the post. On Wednesday, Minnesota outrebounded Los Angels 54 rebounds to 37. That ended up being the difference in the series.
Minnesota advances to the second round and will face the winner of the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors series. For now, Edwards and the Timberwolves can rest up and look to compete for a chance to reach the Conference Finals two consecutive seasons.
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