In a decisive Game 5 showdown at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025, the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves shut the door on the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff run with a 103–96 victory that clinched the series 4–1. From Rudy Gobert’s monster double-double to Anthony Edwards’ all-around effort, this matchup showcased contrasting styles, veteran savvy, and emerging star power. In this article, we’ll break down every timberwolves vs lakers match player stats, explore the key performances, and examine the playoff implications moving forward.
Match Overview – A High-Stakes Showdown
The series stood at 3–1 in favor of Minnesota entering Game 5. Los Angeles faced elimination for the first time since LeBron James arrived, while Minnesota aimed for back-to-back series wins for the first time in franchise history.
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Context of Game 5: A win for LAL would force a Game 6 in Minneapolis; a win for MIN would end the Lakers’ season.
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Final Score: Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96
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Crypto.com Arena Attendance: 18,997 fans packed the building to witness the series-clinching thriller
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Playoff pressure: With a capacity crowd and national TV audience, both teams felt the weight of expectation.
Timberwolves Player Performances
Rudy Gobert’s Career Night
Rudy Gobert delivered a historic playoff performance, dominating the paint against L.A.’s small-ball lineups.
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27 points, 24 rebounds (9 offensive): Gobert recorded playoff career highs in both categories, repeatedly punishing the Lakers on the glass and finishing efficiently around the rim.
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Shooting splits: An efficient 12-of-15 from the field (80%) showed Gobert’s dominance in the post.
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Plus-minus: +18 rating, the best on the court, reflecting his impact on both ends.
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Advanced takeaway: Gobert’s board control limited second-chance points for LAL and fueled Minnesota’s transition offense.
Anthony Edwards’ All-Around Impact
Anthony Edwards continued his playoff maturation with a balanced stat line.
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15 points, 11 rebounds: Edwards secured a double-double, adding defensive energy and clutch scoring.
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Playoff career mark: This marked Edwards’ first double-double of the postseason, showcasing growth beyond pure scoring.
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Key plays: Two late fourth-quarter drives that drew fouls and converted critical free throws swung momentum back to Minnesota.
Mike Conley’s Veteran Control
At 37 years old, Mike Conley demonstrated his continued value as a floor general.
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8 points, 3 assists: While not filling a traditional playmaking stat line, Conley’s decisions minimized turnovers (just 1) and stabilized the second unit.
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Leadership: Conley’s late-game sideline adjustments and timeout usage helped the Wolves withstand LAL’s rally.
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Defensive contribution: Tasked with guarding Austin Reaves at times, Conley logged 1 steal and several deflections that changed possessions.
Donte DiVincenzo’s Versatility
Reserve guard Donte DiVincenzo provided a spark off the bench.
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9 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds: DiVincenzo’s multifaceted line extended Minnesota’s advantage during crucial stretches.
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Shooting: Knocked down 2–of-12 from three, but his playmaking and hustle plays compensated.
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Defensive efforts: Applied pressure on L.A.’s backcourt, forcing two turnovers.
Lakers Key Players and Stats
Julius Randle’s Scoring Effort
Julius Randle led L.A. with 23 points in the losing effort.
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23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, 5-of-8 from deep: Randle attacked the rim and hit timely threes.
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Rebounds: 4 boards (3 offensive), showing his willingness to crash the glass.
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Plus-minus: –12, reflecting struggles when matched up against Gobert in the paint.
LeBron James and Luka Dončić
The Lakers’ superstar duo was contained below season averages.
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LeBron James: 22 points, 7 boards, 9 assists, but scoreless in the fourth quarter, snapping a long streak without a scoreless final frame (first since 2017).
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Luka Dončić: Held to 28 points on 7-of-18 shooting, his usual plus-minus flipped to –14 as Minnesota’s size advantage wore on LAL.
Donte DiVincenzo’s Timberwolves vs Lakers Stats
Note: The Lakers bench struggled for consistent production beyond their stars.
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Rui Hachimura: 7 points on 3-of-5 shooting.
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Austin Reaves: 12 points but just 2-of-10 from three and 0–for–? in fourth-quarter chokes.
Key Stats Breakdown by the Numbers
| Metric | Timberwolves | Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Points per 100 possessions | 112.3 | 107.8 |
| True Shooting % | 57.6% | 54.2% |
| Rebounding % | 60.5% | 39.5% |
| Assist % | 63.2% | 58.1% |
| Opponent Points per 100 possessions | 104.1 | 108.7 |
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Team shooting splits: Wolves 40.4% FG, 14.9% 3PT (a historic low three-point % in playoff win); Lakers 42.3% FG, 29.7% 3PT.
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Plus-minus leaders: Gobert +18, Edwards +12, Randle –12, Dončić –14.
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Turnovers: Minnesota committed just 11, while L.A. turned it over 15 times.
Turning Points and Key Runs
Fourth-Quarter Runs
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Timberwolves’ 9–1 surge: After trailing early in Q4, MIN closed the game with a decisive run capped by Gobert putback and Edwards free throws.
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Clutch defensive stand: Conley’s chase-down block on Reaves with 2:15 left sealed LAL’s fate.
Defensive Stands
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Gobert’s rim protection: Altered multiple Laker drives; tallied 2 blocks and 4 deflections.
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Team rebounding: Minnesota secured 36 rebounds to L.A.’s 37, but 9 of Gobert’s boards were offensive, flipping possession multiple times.
Case Studies / Real-Life Comparisons
Gobert’s Stat Line vs Past Elite Centers
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Tim Duncan in 2003: 21 pts, 17 rebs in Game 5 vs Phoenix. Gobert outpaced those numbers on a bigger stage.
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Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 Finals: 41 pts, 12 rebs; Gobert’s 27 × 24 is rarer for pure big men and signals shifting playoff strategies.
First-Round Series Clinchers
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2018 Klay Thompson vs. Spurs: 35 pts, including 9 threes—mirrors Buddy Hield’s earlier performance, but Gobert added rebounding dominance.
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2021 Bam Adebayo vs. Bucks: 32 pts, 11 rebs; underscored importance of big-man versatility.
Pros & Cons / FAQs
Pros
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Interior dominance: Gobert’s board control and rim protection.
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Balanced contributions: Edwards, Conley, DiVincenzo supplemented the starters.
Cons
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Three-point struggles: MIN shot 7-of-47 (14.9%)—worst in playoff history (min. 40 attempts).
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Lakers’ depth issues: Bench produced only 19 points total.
FAQs
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Where was the game played?
Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA—attendance 18,997. -
Who had the highest plus-minus?
Rudy Gobert at +18. -
What was the biggest lead?
Minnesota led by as many as 15 points in the third quarter.
Conclusion
The timberwolves vs lakers match player stats paint a clear narrative: Rudy Gobert’s paint-stifling performance and Anthony Edwards’ maturation propelled Minnesota to a series-clinching Game 5 win, while L.A. struggled to overcome size mismatches and bench deficiencies. Minnesota now advances to the Western Conference semifinals, carrying momentum and a statement win.
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