2025 NBA PLAYOFFS West First Round: #3 LA Lakers vs #6 Minnesota Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1)

[bisme37]

Thread continued from here: https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2454844

[cgf]

Still feeling like the Wolves take this in 6. Think they respond in a big way at home.

[ejftw]

I agree that Minny responds in a big way at home, probably wins this one going away, maybe even wire to wire.

But feel this series is destined to go 7, at the least

[cgf]

I agree that Minny responds in a big way at home, probably wins this one going away, maybe even wire to wire.

But feel this series is destined to go 7, at the least

I can definitely see the Lakers stealing one in Minnesota, but I really like the Wolves size & depth around ant; so think they can close this out at home.

[ejftw]

I agree that Minny responds in a big way at home, probably wins this one going away, maybe even wire to wire.

But feel this series is destined to go 7, at the least

I can definitely see the Lakers stealing one in Minnesota, but I really like the Wolves size & depth around ant; so think they can close this out at home.

It all comes down to what Ant shows up for Minny to close out in six, and, for whatever reason, just don't feel we will see that Ant in G7.

And I really shouldn't be posting and working, 7 at the least

[LakersSoul]

Still feeling like the Wolves take this in 6. Think they respond in a big way at home.

Don’t think so!

Bron, AR, plus bench haven’t played well and still 1-1. Feels like Lakers are gonna come out hungry tonight and take the lead 2-1 on way to win in 6.

[Wolfgang630]

The game of the day

[cgf]

Still feeling like the Wolves take this in 6. Think they respond in a big way at home.

Don’t think so!

Bron, AR, plus bench haven’t played well and still 1-1. Feels like Lakers are gonna come out hungry tonight and take the lead 2-1 on way to win in 6.

We'll see, but part of me thinks the Wolves have already taken your best punch as they have really tough matchups for AR and 40yo LBJ. Both teams shot like trash in game two and I'm not sure you'll win the rebound battle the way you did in game two, again.

[cgf]

I agree that Minny responds in a big way at home, probably wins this one going away, maybe even wire to wire.

But feel this series is destined to go 7, at the least

I can definitely see the Lakers stealing one in Minnesota, but I really like the Wolves size & depth around ant; so think they can close this out at home.

It all comes down to what Ant shows up for Minny to close out in six, and, for whatever reason, just don't feel we will see that Ant in G7.

And I really shouldn't be posting and working, 7 at the least

I know some people will think I'm crazy, but I think we'll see a monster Randle game to help them close this out before it gets to 7.

[Bob8]

Still feeling like the Wolves take this in 6. Think they respond in a big way at home.

Don’t think so!

Bron, AR, plus bench haven’t played well and still 1-1. Feels like Lakers are gonna come out hungry tonight and take the lead 2-1 on way to win in 6.

We'll see, but part of me thinks the Wolves have already taken your best punch as they have really tough matchups for AR and 40yo LBJ. Both teams shot like trash in game two and I'm not sure you'll win the rebound battle the way you did in game two, again.

AR didn't forget how to shoot overnight. He had wide open looks in game 2 and couldn't hit a single 3. Maybe he feels less pressure away. He should have a good game sometime. LeBron needs to cut more and attack through the middle, he can't go 1 on 1 as before, but he can be incredibly useful off ball and he should post much more against favourable switches.

[cgf]

Don’t think so!

Bron, AR, plus bench haven’t played well and still 1-1. Feels like Lakers are gonna come out hungry tonight and take the lead 2-1 on way to win in 6.

We'll see, but part of me thinks the Wolves have already taken your best punch as they have really tough matchups for AR and 40yo LBJ. Both teams shot like trash in game two and I'm not sure you'll win the rebound battle the way you did in game two, again.

AR didn't forget how to shoot overnight. He had wide open looks in game 2 and couldn't hit a single 3. Maybe he feels less pressure away. He should have a good game sometime. LeBron needs to cut more and attack through the middle, he can't go 1 on 1 as before, but he can be incredibly useful off ball and he should post much more against favourable switches.

Niether team will shoot 20% from 3 again.

[Bob8]

We'll see, but part of me thinks the Wolves have already taken your best punch as they have really tough matchups for AR and 40yo LBJ. Both teams shot like trash in game two and I'm not sure you'll win the rebound battle the way you did in game two, again.

AR didn't forget how to shoot overnight. He had wide open looks in game 2 and couldn't hit a single 3. Maybe he feels less pressure away. He should have a good game sometime. LeBron needs to cut more and attack through the middle, he can't go 1 on 1 as before, but he can be incredibly useful off ball and he should post much more against favourable switches.

Niether team will shoot 20% from 3 again.

AR was 0% and he's very decent shooter. Anyway Lakers to win will need standard Luka, and very good LeBron and AR. Unlikely to win otherwise.

[bb22]

Game 3 is always a huge one, where adjustments and counter-adjustments are made and stars start to make a bigger impact. I am very biased, but I trust a healthy Luka and Lebron over Ant and Co.

I understand Minny has a well balanced team and a lot of people want the Lakers to lose, but I just see experience and stronger minds prevailing.

[thinktank]

Don’t think so!

Bron, AR, plus bench haven’t played well and still 1-1. Feels like Lakers are gonna come out hungry tonight and take the lead 2-1 on way to win in 6.

We'll see, but part of me thinks the Wolves have already taken your best punch as they have really tough matchups for AR and 40yo LBJ. Both teams shot like trash in game two and I'm not sure you'll win the rebound battle the way you did in game two, again.

AR didn't forget how to shoot overnight. He had wide open looks in game 2 and couldn't hit a single 3. Maybe he feels less pressure away. He should have a good game sometime. LeBron needs to cut more and attack through the middle, he can't go 1 on 1 as before, but he can be incredibly useful off ball and he should post much more against favourable switches.

No thoughts on Lakers D?

[Noodlesoop]

Any Minneapolis locals able to give advice about what to do in the area this weekend and where to eat/drink etc please? I’ve got a free day tomorrow between games 3 and 4 - outside of watching some football (‘soccer’) I’ve told the rest of the day to kill.

[cgf]

Any Minneapolis locals able to give advice about what to do in the area this weekend and where to eat/drink etc? I’ve got a free day tomorrow between games 3 and 4 - outside of watching some football (‘soccer’) I’ve told the rest of the day to kill.

I dunno if any of my decade old suggestions would still be good even if I remembered them lol, but I really enjoyed the few weeks I spent in Minneapolis / St. Paul, so you shouldn't find it too difficult to have a good time.

[Bob8]

We'll see, but part of me thinks the Wolves have already taken your best punch as they have really tough matchups for AR and 40yo LBJ. Both teams shot like trash in game two and I'm not sure you'll win the rebound battle the way you did in game two, again.

AR didn't forget how to shoot overnight. He had wide open looks in game 2 and couldn't hit a single 3. Maybe he feels less pressure away. He should have a good game sometime. LeBron needs to cut more and attack through the middle, he can't go 1 on 1 as before, but he can be incredibly useful off ball and he should post much more against favourable switches.

No thoughts on Lakers D?

They have already showed they can keep Wolves under 90, now is time to score over 100. I kinda doubt they can win series with scoring less than 100 points.

[PistolPeteJR]

This is an excellent watch prior to tonight's game.

[youtube]

Watch on YouTube

[/youtube

[TimberKat]

Any Minneapolis locals able to give advice about what to do in the area this weekend and where to eat/drink etc? I’ve got a free day tomorrow between games 3 and 4 - outside of watching some football (‘soccer’) I’ve told the rest of the day to kill.

I dunno if any of my decade old suggestions would still be good even if I remembered them lol, but I really enjoyed the few weeks I spent in Minneapolis / St. Paul, so you shouldn't find it too difficult to have a good time.

It you are looking for fine dining, Dario or Owamni is good. There is a few other restaurants in the North Loop area like Bar La Grassa. I think the downtown Mill City Museum area is a nice walk. People like Mall of America.

[cgf]

Any Minneapolis locals able to give advice about what to do in the area this weekend and where to eat/drink etc? I’ve got a free day tomorrow between games 3 and 4 - outside of watching some football (‘soccer’) I’ve told the rest of the day to kill.

I dunno if any of my decade old suggestions would still be good even if I remembered them lol, but I really enjoyed the few weeks I spent in Minneapolis / St. Paul, so you shouldn't find it too difficult to have a good time.

It you are looking for fine dining, Dario or Owamni is good. There is a few other restaurants in the North Loop area like Bar La Grassa. I think the downtown Mill City Museum area is a nice walk. People like Mall of America.

my sentiment exactly.