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Timberwolves survive LeBron James’ masterpiece, lead 2-1

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 10:57 AM ET

The Timberwolves came out firing away in Game 3. They found themselves up 27-19 with about two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The Lakers battled back connecting on two quick buckets, one of them being a three. Just when it looked like the Lakers might storm past the Timberwolves for the first-quarter lead, Minnesota made some big plays, both offensively and defensively.

After one quarter of play, the Timberwolves led 32-26. The second quarter belonged to the oldest player on the floor, LeBron James.

King James was hitting nearly everything he took. He led all scorers with 22 first-half points, including 16 in the second quarter.

King James for 3! #lakers
pic.twitter.com/kHCbGH665T

— LakersLockedIn (@lakerslocked) April 26, 2025

The Lakers took a 58-54 lead into the half. LA achieved this despite Luka Doncic, who was dealing with a stomach bug, only scoring eight in the first half.

Second Half

The Timberwolves would regain their fire in the third quarter, led by Anthony Edwards, who scored 10 points in the quarter. LeBron, who shot 8-12 in the first half, struggled in the third, only shooting 1-4 from the field.

LeBron would pick up his slack in the fourth. King James scored 11 in the final period on 3-5 shooting, including 3-4 from three. Still, the Timberwolves wouldn’t be denied.

Edwards and Jaden McDaniels kept the Lakers at bay in the fourth. McDaniels dropped eight on a perfect 3-3 shooting. Edwards scored seven on 3-6 shooting, including making some clutch shots.

ANTHONY EDWARDS. DAGGER pic.twitter.com/LdWQ4xqlSs

— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 26, 2025

The Timberwolves won 116-104, as Edwards scored 29 and McDaniels led the team with 30 points. LeBron had a masterpiece in the game, with 38 huge points at the age of 40. Doncic, who was clearly bothered by his illness, scored just 17.

LeBron was the King tonight, but the victors were the Timberwolves. Minnesota leads LA 2-1.

Game 4 in Minnesota is this Sunday at 3:30 PM EST.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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