Lakers survive overtime vs. Timberwolves; advance to playoffs
The Lakers survived the play-in game against the Timberwolves and will advance to the first round to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Timberwolves came out on fire, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. Towns finished the game with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson also had great games for the Wolves. Anderson led the game in assists with 13, while Conley had 23 points.
CLUTCH SHOT BY DENNIS SCHRODER‼️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 12, 2023
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/Z5k39rsAoU
Minnesota controlled the game through three quarters, but LA was able to fight back in the 4th quarter. They were in position to win the game after Dennis Schroder knocked down a three from a LeBron James assist with 1.4 seconds to go.
This put LA up three, but Anthony Davis fouled Mike Conley on a three-point attempt, and he converted all of his free throws to send the game to overtime.
LeBron: "It's unfortunate that AD had a brain fart and messed his game-winner up."
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 12, 2023
AD: "I messed his game-winner up I apologize. I definitely apologize."
Glad we can laugh that off now... 😅
pic.twitter.com/JWQmDce4Xo
The Lakers were able to close out the game in overtime with a great defensive effort and converting at crucial points on offense.
James finished the game with 30 points, ten rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocks. He kept the offense afloat as they struggled at times.
Davis had 24 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks. Schroder and Hachimura both had a significant impact off the bench. Schroder had 21 points, including many key buckets in the 4th quarter and overtime. Hachimura provided good defense for the Lakers and contributed 12 points.
Darvin Ham had a good defensive scheme on Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, holding him to nine points on 3-17 shooting.
The Lakers, who started 2-10 and were 26-32 midway through February in the No. 13 seed, clawed their way up to the No. 7 seed, secured tonight against Minnesota.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 12, 2023
They advance to play No. 2 Memphis in Round 1, also eliminating a pick swap with New Orleans.
While LA made many mistakes in this game, they were able to push through and pick up the win.
They now move on to take on the 2nd seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
IT’S SET. 🍿
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 12, 2023
Game 1 of the Lakers-Grizzlies series is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. PT this Sunday. ⏰ pic.twitter.com/BVWbuJHYmz
It was a hard-fought victory in the play-in tournament against Minnesota. The Lakers started the season 2-10 and have climbed into the playoffs. The flurry of moves at the trade deadline has been well worth it, as they have enough to compete for a title.
Look for LeBron and AD to lead the Lakers as they head to take on Memphis in Game 1 on Sunday.