Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 5: Minnesota Ends LA’s Playoff Run
Relive the thrilling Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 5 in the 2025 NBA Playoffs! Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle lead Minnesota to a 103-96 win, eliminating the LA Lakers. Get key stats, highlights, and what’s next for both teams. #NBAPlayoffs #LakersVsTimberwolves
On April 30, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling NBA Playoffs Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena, a matchup that had fans searching for Timberwolves vs Lakers updates and Lakers vs Timberwolves live streams. With the MN Timberwolves leading the series 3-1, the LA Lakers needed a win to stay alive in the playoffs NBA. However, the Timberwolves delivered a commanding 103-96 victory, advancing in the NBA bracket and eliminating the Lakers from the 2025 NBA Finals race.
This Timberwolves – Lakers showdown was packed with drama, standout performances from Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, and critical moments that defined the Wolves vs Lakers series. Here’s a breakdown of the game, Timberwolves vs Lakers match player stats, and what it means for both teams.
A Must-Win for the Lakers
The Lakers vs Timberwolves series had been intense, with the Minnesota Timberwolves surprising the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers by taking a 3-1 lead. Fans were buzzing with questions like, “Did the Lakers win last night?” and “Are the Lakers out of the playoffs?” Game 5 was the Lakers’ last chance to extend their season. The Lakers roster, featuring stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, was under pressure to overcome the Wolves’ depth and defensive prowess, led by Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. The Timberwolves games had shown Minnesota’s ability to compete, and this Wolves game was no different.
The Lakers game started with high energy from the MN Wolves, who jumped to a 14-point lead in the first quarter. Rudy Gobert dominated the paint, while the Lakers struggled, shooting just 6 for 18 from the field. Fans looking for Lakers news or the Lakers game score saw early signs of trouble as LeBron and Dončić combined for a rough 1 for 8. The Timberwolves score reflected their control, ending the first quarter at 31-22.
Timberwolves Dominate with Gobert and Randle
The Timberwolves game saw Rudy Gobert shine, finishing with a playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds, including 9 offensive rebounds. His Gobert stats made him just the second Timberwolves player, after Kevin Garnett, to record a 20-point, 20-rebound playoff game. Julius Randle, a key part of Randle Timberwolves, added 23 points, hitting clutch shots to keep Minnesota ahead. Anthony Edwards, despite scoring 15 points, contributed 11 rebounds and 8 assists, while Alexander Walker provided defensive spark off the bench.
The Lakers vs Timberwolves stats showed Minnesota’s edge in rebounds and fewer turnovers, giving them 12 more field goal attempts. A scary moment came before halftime when Dončić took a hard foul and grabbed his lower back, but he returned to lead the Lakers players. Lakers vs Timberwolves match player stats highlighted Dončić’s 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura added 23 points, including a highlight dunk over Gobert. LeBron James scored 22 points but went scoreless in the fourth, a critical factor in the Lakers score.
Key Moments in the Timberwolves – Lakers Clash
The Timberwolves vs Lakers timeline was filled with turning points:
- Gobert’s Tip-Slam: Late in the fourth, Rudy Gobert’s tip-in gave Minnesota a crucial lead, showcasing why he’s the Defensive Player of the Year.
- Lakers’ Rally: Dončić and Hachimura led a third-quarter push, briefly giving the Lakers a one-point lead, but the Wolves basketball squad responded with poise.
- Turnovers and Rebounding: The Lakers vs Timberwolves box score showed Minnesota’s dominance on the boards and fewer mistakes, sealing their win.
- Finney-Smith’s Foul-Out: The Lakers’ Dorian Finney-Smith fouling out late hurt their defense, allowing Jaden McDaniels to sink key free throws.
Fans searching “Where to watch Timberwolves vs Lakers” or “Lakers vs Timberwolves stream” caught these moments live, with the Timberwolves game today trending across platforms.
Are the Lakers Out of the Playoffs?
Yes, the Lakers eliminated headline became reality as the Timberwolves won 103-96, ending the Lakers playoffs hopes. The Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 5 loss marked LA’s second straight first-round exit, leaving fans asking, “Who won the Lakers game?” and checking Lakers stats for answers. The NBA news reflected disappointment for the NBA Lakers, with questions about LeBron’s future and the team’s need for a stronger interior defender to counter players like Gobert.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Wolves score of 103-96 secured a 4-1 series win, their third straight playoff victory over the Lakers. They now advance to face either the Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors in the NBA playoff semifinals. The Timberwolves vs Lakers series ended a 22-year playoff drought against LA, a historic moment for MN Timberwolves fans.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
For those wondering “Where to watch Lakers vs Timberwolves” or searching for Lakers vs Timberwolves live, the game aired on major sports networks, with highlights available on platforms like ESPN and NBA.com. The Lakers game tonight live drew massive viewership, but the Timberwolves game stole the show.
The Timberwolves head into the next round with momentum, led by Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Anthony Edwards. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers face an offseason of reflection, with Lakers roster changes likely on the horizon. The Lakers vs Minnesota series showed the Wolves’ rise as a contender, while the Lakers in 5 prediction fell short.
Have the Timberwolves Ever Won the NBA?
No, the Minnesota Timberwolves have never won an NBA championship. Since joining the league in the 1989-90 season, the Timberwolves have yet to reach the NBA Finals. Their best playoff run came in the 2003-04 season.
Did the Lakers Get Eliminated?
Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs after losing 103-96 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their first-round series on April 30, 2025.
Who Owns the Timberwolves Now?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the process of transitioning ownership to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. In April 2025, Glen Taylor, the previous owner, agreed in principle to transfer 100% ownership of the Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx to Lore and Rodriguez.
The deal awaits approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors, which is expected to be a formality. Lore and Rodriguez won an arbitration ruling in February 2025, paving the way for their majority ownership.
Are the Lakers Out of the Playoffs?
Yes, the Lakers are out of the playoffs NBA, as confirmed by their 103-96 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 5. The Lakers vs Timberwolves Game 5 result sent the Lakers into the offseason.
A Historic Timberwolves Victory
The Timberwolves vs Lakers Game 5 was a defining moment in the 2025 NBA basketball season. With Rudy Gobert’s historic performance, Julius Randle’s clutch scoring, and a team effort from the TWolves, Minnesota proved they belong among the elite. For Lakers fans, the Laker game today ended in heartbreak, but the fight from Dončić and Hachimura showed promise. As the NBA game recaps roll in, the Timberwolves Lakers clash will be remembered as a playoff classic.
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