Luka Doncic starred as the Los Angeles Lakers levelled their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Slovenian superstar poured in 31 points and claimed 12 rebounds and nine assists as the Lakers won 94-85 to bounce back from their 117-95 loss in Game 1.
Put on a performance tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/8ReTq8ndbT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 23, 2025
LeBron James also did his bit with 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a game punctuated by fouls and video reviews.
James said: “We looked at what we didn’t do so well, which is a lot of things in Game 1. We took it to heart, held each other accountable and had a much better result.”
Julius Randle scored 27 points and Anthony Edwards 25 for Minnesota, who struggled to get anything going offensively.
“We knew they would come with high intensity, with energy,” Randle said. “We knew it was going to be physical.
“We were stagnant, missed open looks, missed layups. They were just in a rhythm.”
Game 3 takes place in Minneapolis on Friday.
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Bucks down 2-0 despite Giannis’ best efforts
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points but couldn’t prevent the Milwaukee Bucks falling 2-0 down on the Indiana Pacers, who won a bad-tempered Game 2 123-115.
“It’s kind of hard to play from behind,” two-time league MVP Antetokounmpo said. “We need to be more urgent. Both games, both halves they were really able to set the tone, get that feel. Need to play with more urgency at the start of the game, start of the half.”
The Bucks will get their chance in Game 3 on Friday and will have to make a better job of dealing with Indiana pair Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton.
Siakam scored 24 points and added 11 rebounds while Haliburton had 21 points and 12 assists.
"I think what he does on a nightly basis is amazing – so consistent, so steady. He does a great job of calming us down, me down specifically, at certain times. I’m just really appreciative of him kind of playing that big bro, mentor role for our group."
Tyrese Haliburton on the… pic.twitter.com/cyGCOdfQm0
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 23, 2025
OKC power on
Oklahoma City Thunder also hold a 2-0 lead over the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to a convincing 118-99 win.
The win was achieved despite another off night for the NBA’s leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 27 points on 10-of-29 shooting but remains confident his form will improve.
“I feel like I’m getting looks I usually make and just missing them,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 points per game on 51.7% shooting during the regular season. “That’s part of basketball. It’s ups and downs, makes and misses. Because my team is really good, we’ve won two games by a decent margin. They’ve had my back these last two nights. Hopefully, I pick it up soon.”
