The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a rocky start to their 2024-2025 season, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers 110-103 in a high-energy game. Despite a strong performance by Anthony Edwards, who scored 27 points, it was Anthony Davis’ 37 points that propelled the Lakers to victory.
The match was particularly notable, not only for the season debut of LeBron James, but also for his son Bronny James, making them the first father-son duo to ever play in an NBA game together. It also marked the debut of Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle for Minnesota. The stage was set for an exciting night at Crypto.com Arena, but the Wolves struggled with turnovers and an inconsistent offense, ultimately costing them the game.
Early Struggles and Lakers’ Momentum
The Timberwolves had a promising start with Anthony Edwards quickly sinking a few three-pointers, while Jaden McDaniels showed early aggression. However, the Lakers, led by the elder James, responded swiftly and built a 16-10 lead midway through the first quarter. Minnesota's offense appeared disjointed, committing five turnovers early, yet they managed to close the quarter on an 11-4 run, edging out a 23-22 lead.
Despite the lead, the Wolves’ offense seemed out of sync, and their frequent turnovers gave the Lakers plenty of opportunities. Edwards led Minnesota with eight points in the first quarter, hitting two crucial three-pointers, but the team’s clunky play was evident.
Lakers Take Control
In the second quarter, the Lakers surged with a 12-4 run, pulling ahead 34-27. Minnesota continued to struggle with ball control, and the Lakers capitalized on their mistakes, extending their lead to 19 points. Amid this action, history was made as Bronny James checked into the game alongside his father, LeBron James, creating a memorable moment as the first father-son duo to play in the NBA.
While Edwards managed to score a few more buckets to keep the game within reach, the Wolves were clearly off their rhythm. They were outmatched in both offensive rebounds, losing 10-5, and turnovers, 10-3. Edwards led Minnesota with 14 points by halftime, while the Lakers saw strong performances from Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura, contributing 12 and 11 points respectively.
Second-Half Push Falls Short
The Timberwolves’ sluggish play persisted into the third quarter, as they struggled to generate momentum. Although they managed to cut the deficit to eight points late in the third, thanks to a burst of energy from the bench, the Lakers held firm. Minnesota made a late push, reducing the lead to four early in the final quarter, with Naz Reid’s five quick points. However, the Lakers responded with a timeout and reasserted control.
In the closing minutes, Anthony Davis took over, scoring 11 points in the final seven minutes and dominating on both ends of the court. The Wolves’ attempts to mount a comeback were continually thwarted by Davis, who remained a force in the paint. Ultimately, Minnesota couldn't close the gap, falling 110-103.
Adjusting Without Rudy Gobert
The absence of Rudy Gobert during key moments exposed the Wolves' need to find solutions in the backup center role. With Karl-Anthony Towns gone, coach Chris Finch experimented with a zone defense when Naz Reid and Julius Randle took the court together, but the strategy faltered. Reid and Randle both struggled in the center position, which is something Minnesota will need to address moving forward.
Anthony Davis Dominates
Anthony Davis was unstoppable throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter. Finishing with 36 points and 16 rebounds, he was a dominant presence on both offense and defense. The Wolves struggled to stop him, particularly when Gobert was off the floor, highlighting just how critical Davis' performance was to the Lakers’ win.
Minnesota's offense was far from cohesive, with players still finding their footing and adjusting to new roles. Julius Randle, in particular, seemed uncertain in his role, which is understandable given his recent arrival. Despite these struggles, there were positive signs, especially in the second half, as the team’s energy improved and they began to show better ball movement. The Wolves will need to iron out these issues as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Though the Timberwolves opened their season with a loss, there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic. The team showed flashes of potential, particularly in the second half, as they began to settle into their roles. Julius Randle started finding ways to contribute offensively, and Rudy Gobert’s presence on the glass was encouraging. The Wolves will now turn their focus to their next game against the Sacramento Kings, where they’ll look to bounce back and refine their play. While the offensive struggles are a concern, Minnesota has ample time to work out the kinks and build on the positive aspects of this game.
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