Rudy Gobert delivered a monumental performance on Wednesday night, powering the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. With a commanding 103-96 victory, the Timberwolves clinched the series 4-1 and advanced to the second round for the second consecutive season.
Gobert, known more for his defensive prowess, turned in an offensive masterclass. He scored a playoff career-high 27 points and pulled down 24 rebounds, dominating a Lakers squad that opted for a centerless lineup in a desperate attempt to regain control of the series.
“It feels great, but it’s not about vindication or personal battles,” Gobert said postgame. “It’s about chasing a championship, and we’re just getting started.”
Timberwolves Overcome Shooting Woes with Grit and Toughness
Despite shooting a dismal 7-of-47 from beyond the arc, including a streak of 17 straight misses, Minnesota found other ways to win. Coach Chris Finch emphasized the team’s mental and physical toughness as key to their resilience in a game where nothing came easy.
“We didn’t shoot well, but we outworked them when it mattered most,” Finch said. “We’ve been strong in the fourth quarter all series, and we just needed a few shots to fall and a lot of composure — the guys delivered.”
Veteran guard Mike Conley broke the team’s cold streak from long range with a clutch three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, sealing the game and the series.
Lakers Fall Short Despite Doncic’s Heroics
Luka Doncic, playing in his first postseason with the Lakers, poured in 28 points and dished out nine assists, while LeBron James added 22 points. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome Minnesota’s relentless inside game and defensive intensity.
The Lakers were unable to build momentum, and their small-ball strategy backfired, with Gobert punishing them inside throughout the night. Rui Hachimura added 23 points off the bench, but the rest of the team struggled to keep pace.
“There’s a mix of disappointment and gratitude,” said Lakers head coach JJ Redick. “It’s tough to process, especially with the kind of talent we have. But hats off to Minnesota — they’re legit, and they earned it.”
This marks the second consecutive season the Lakers have been eliminated in the first round, continuing a trend of early exits since their 2020 championship win in the bubble.
Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle Provide Support
While Gobert was the clear standout, the Timberwolves also benefited from solid performances by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Edwards tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds, showing his trademark explosiveness on both ends of the floor. Randle, who was acquired mid-season, provided 23 points and offered a steady scoring option when the team needed it most.
The Wolves showed impressive poise down the stretch, outlasting a desperate Lakers squad that was playing for its postseason survival.
Looking Ahead: Timberwolves Await Their Next Opponent
Minnesota now advances to the second round where they will face the winner of the Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors series. The Rockets managed to avoid elimination with a win on Wednesday, setting up a Game 6 on Friday. Golden State currently leads the series 3-2.
The Timberwolves will look to maintain their defensive identity and continue building around the powerful inside-outside duo of Gobert and Edwards.
A Statement Win for a Rising Contender
This victory not only sends a message to the rest of the league, but also marks an important milestone for a Minnesota franchise that has long struggled for playoff success. With a deep, versatile roster and a defensive anchor like Gobert playing at his peak, the Timberwolves are shaping up to be a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
“It’s about more than just winning this series,” said Gobert. “It’s about showing who we are and where we’re going.”
Minnesota’s grit and determination, exemplified by their ability to win despite offensive struggles, could be the blueprint for a deep playoff run. The road ahead may be tough, but the Timberwolves have proven they’re ready to compete with the best.
