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 Sport 4 to take a 3-1 sequence lead.
In a recreation that went backwards and forwards for all 48 minutes, the Timberwolves had been capable of draw back as a result of a string of clutch performs within the ultimate 40 seconds. First, Jaden McDaniels made a layup whereas getting fouled by Austin Reaves with 39.1 seconds remaining to tie the sport at 113-113. McDaniels hit the following free throw to offer his staff a one-point lead.
McDaniels performed tight protection 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 compelled to name a timeout, however McDaniels got here up with a steal on LeBron James’ move with 30 seconds remaining.
Because the Timberwolves sought so as to add to their lead within the ultimate seconds, Anthony Edwards drove to the rim, however misplaced the ball and watched it exit of bounds with 10.1 seconds left. Nonetheless, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch challenged the decision, which was overturned and dominated to be a foul on James. With the Lakers being over the foul restrict, Edwards went to the free-throw line and made each makes an attempt to offer the Timberwolves a 116-113 lead.
The Lakers referred to as their final timeout after Doncic’s journey, so that they could not advance the ball following Edwards’ free-throw makes. They had been nonetheless capable of get an excellent look to try to tie the sport, although. The Timberwolves opted to not foul up three, with Reaves getting open within the nook within the ultimate seconds. His game-tying 3-point try rimmed out proper earlier than the buzzer, although.
Edwards’ two made free throws on the finish gave him a game-high 43 factors as he outdueled the Lakers’ two prime stars. Doncic completed with 38 factors whereas James had 27 factors, 12 rebounds and eight assists in 46 minutes. However James did not rating within the fourth quarter of the loss.
Sport 5 will happen Wednesday night time in Los Angeles, the place the Lakers will look to save lots of their season or the Timberwolves will advance to the second spherical.
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