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In his playoff debut with the Lakers, Luka Doncic put up 37 points, but the Timberwolves answered back effectively.
Minnesota secured a 117-95 victory, propelled by Jaden McDaniels, who scored 25 points, and Naz Reid, who contributed 23 points thanks to hitting six 3-pointers. Anthony Edwards also had a strong performance, finishing with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in the opening game of the first round for the sixth-seeded Wolves, who have now clinched 18 wins in their last 22 outings.
“I’ve got an incredible group of teammates,” Edwards remarked. “But tonight wasn’t our best showing. I came to realize that during training camp. It simply takes time for us to mesh as a new squad. We needed a moment to understand each other, and I feel like we’re starting to click now.”
From the outset, it was clear Minnesota was in control. Although Doncic scored 16 points in the first quarter, the Timberwolves dominated the second, outscoring the Lakers 38-20 and showcasing a franchise playoff record of 21 3-pointers on 42 attempts.
LeBron James started his 18th NBA playoff campaign with 19 points.
Meanwhile, in New York, the Knicks faced the Pistons and emerged victorious. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 34 points, while Cam Payne scored 11 of his 14 in the fourth quarter. The Knicks made a stunning comeback with a 21-0 run, securing a 123-112 win in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
In his first playoff appearance with the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds, alongside British forward OG Anunoby, who also netted 23 points. For Detroit, German guard Dennis Schroder added eight points and three assists.
