The Lakers’ Game 1 matchup with the Timberwolves got out of hand quite quickly, with Minnesota turning an 11-point halftime advantage into a 27-point gulf during a fireworks-laden third quarter.
Los Angeles’ endured a trying period throughout the frame, with shot after shot missing its mark. Things didn’t get much easier when one of its supernovas, Luka Doncic, went down after colliding with another harrowing star.
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Luka Doncic injury update
The Lakers standout was swept off his feet after crashing into Julius Randle partway through the third quarter.
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The incident occurred with 7:24 in the frame when Doncic and Randle collided while the Lakers talent attempted to pass the ball to Austin Reaves to spur a fast break.
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Doncic writhed on the ground for a brief moment, shaking off his left leg before standing. He limped for around the court but eventually found his bearings, taking part in the action once play restarted. Doncic proceeded to sink a runner less than two minutes later. He even added a half-court triple to end the frame, confirming that he did, indeed, shake off his momentary stupor.
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LUKA FROM HALFCOURT TO END THE THIRD ? pic.twitter.com/QiBDhPJJVU
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Minnesota opened up a 25-point advantage in the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves went on to claim Game 1, 117-95.
Luka Doncic stats vs. Timberwolves
- Points: 37
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 0
- TOs: 5
- Fouls: 2
- FG: 12-22
- 3FG: 3-8
Despite the crooked nature of Saturday’s scoreboard, Doncic authored up another impressive postseason display, collecting a game-high 37 points on 54.5 percent shooting.
Doncic’s showing wasn’t all positive — he tallied five turnovers and struggled while attempting to guard Anthony Edwards throughout the contest. Nevertheless, Doncic’s first playoff game in yellow-and-purple was as good as one could hope for from an individual perspective.
