In Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves stunned the Los Angeles Lakers with a late-game surge, overcoming a 10-point deficit for a 116-113 win. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards showcased his offensive prowess, scoring 16 of his 43 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the Lakers' strong performances from LeBron James and others, they struggled with their shooting in crucial moments. Coach JJ Redick's strategy of keeping the same five players on the court led to perceived fatigue, which Minnesota capitalized on, pushing them to a commanding 3-1 series lead.
With Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick keeping the same five players in for the entire second half of Game 4 on Sunday, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said he knew L.A. would be susceptible to his late-game attack. "I felt like they were gassed going down the stretch," Edwards said after Minnesota erased a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to win 116-113 and go up 3-1 in their first round series.
Edwards nearly matched the Lakers' fourth quarter point total single-handedly, scoring 16 of his game-high 43 points in the closing frame as Minnesota outscored L.A. 32-19.
Lakers reserve forward Dorian Finney-Smith was told a couple minutes before the start of the third quarter by L.A. assistant coach, Nate McMillan, that he would be starting the second half in the place of center Jaxson Hayes. Finney-Smith, James, Doncic, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura started the third on a 14-0 run to take control of the game.
James said tired legs were not the cause of the misses. 'We got some really good looks,' said James, who had another strong performance with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
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