The Minnesota Timberwolves are demonstrating that last season's Conference Finals run was no mere fluke, leading their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers 3-1. A pivotal contributor to this success is backup center Naz Reid, who is averaging 13.8 points on an impressive 55.9% shooting, including 52.4% from three-point range, along with 4.3 rebounds in just under 25 minutes per game. Reid's strong performance has also led Lakers coach J.J. Redick to bench Jaxson Hayes for nearly the entirety of Game 4.

Reid, who earned the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2023-24 season, credits his growth to Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, highlighting the faith Finch has shown in him. This two-way player has become a nightmare for opponents, making him a fan favorite in Minnesota after rising through the ranks from an undrafted rookie in 2019. If the Timberwolves can clinch the series, they will face the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets matchup in the second round, with a pivotal Game 5 set to take place at Crypto.com Arena.

The Minnesota Timberwolves seized the series lead against the Los Angeles Lakers with a commanding 116-104 victory at Target Center, energizing their home crowd. Jaden McDaniels led the charge with 30 points, complemented by Anthony Edwards’ 29 points, showcasing the Timberwolves' depth despite utilizing only eight players. Their defense stifled Lakers star Luka Doncic, who struggled to find his rhythm. Minnesota surged ahead in the fourth quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 13-3 in the final moments.

Fans played a pivotal role, creating an electric atmosphere that bolstered the Timberwolves’ performance. The team’s next challenge is maintaining this momentum as they prepare for Game 4, where a win would further solidify their standing in the playoffs.

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves are stepping into Game 2 of the playoffs with confidence after a decisive 117-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Led by Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels, who combined for 48 points, the Wolves established their dominance early, making a significant statement in the postseason.

However, head coach Chris Finch remains cautious, understanding the unpredictability of playoff basketball. He emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and preparing for an altered approach from the Lakers in Game 2.

The Minnesota Timberwolves showcased their potential in a decisive Game 1 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, underpinned by Naz Reid's exceptional shooting. Reid, often providing a scoring spark off the bench, tallied 23 points with an impressive 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. This performance proved crucial in the Timberwolves' ability to create separation and control the game.

As the Lakers gear up for Game 2, adjustments are paramount to address Reid's offensive threat. During a recent podcast, New Orleans Pelicans' Trey Murphy III humorously suggested the most straightforward solution: actually guard Reid. His candid remarks highlight the necessity for the Lakers to tighten their defensive coverage to improve their chances of success. Effective adjustments at this level are often about execution, and the Lakers must ensure they limit Reid's open looks to avoid a repeat of the same mistakes.

The 2025 NBA Playoffs heat up as the Los Angeles Lakers gear up to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their first-round series, following the Timberwolves' decisive 117-95 victory in Game 1. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with an impressive 25 points, while Naz Reid contributed significantly with 23 points, including six three-pointers. As the Lakers prepare for the crucial matchup, the pressure mounts on them to even the series in front of their home crowd.

Fans can catch the action on TNT at 10 PM ET, with multiple streaming options available, including Max and Hulu Live TV. The stakes are high as both teams look to secure a pivotal win, setting the stage for an exhilarating playoff showdown.