The Minnesota Timberwolves recorded a comfortable 117-95 Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Wolves’ physical style appeared to catch the Lakers off-guard.
“It’s not to say our guys weren’t ready to withstand a playoff-level basketball game. … I’m not sure physically we were ready,” JJ Redick said. “And really when [the Wolves] started playing with a lot of thrust and physicality, we just didn’t respond to meet that.”
“I think that they just physically beat us from the get-go,” said Austin Reaves.
The Wolves outscored the Lakers 67-33 from the start of the second quarter through midway in the third quarter.
“Maybe it took us one playoff game to now get a feel for it and know what type of intensity, the type of physicality is going to be brought to the game,” LeBron James said after finishing with 19 points. “But that’s just the way they play. So we should be more than prepared for that on Tuesday night [in Game 2].”
