The Los Angeles Lakers recently played against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series at Target Center. The Lakers suffered a disappointing loss after tying the series in Game 2. In the game’s aftermath, head coach JJ Redick highlighted the harsh reality behind the defeat.
In the post-game interview, Redick pointed out that his team’s turnovers and the disparity in scoring opportunities favored the Timberwolves. These key factors significantly contributed to the Lakers’ defeat in Game 3.
“We were minus 16 in scoring opportunities. It’s really hard to win a basketball game in that scenario, particularly against a team that can also get hot from three, which they did in the second half. I think it was across the board, it wasn’t just Ant. We couldn’t contain the ball tonight. Our closeouts in the first quarter were god-awful. I thought we did a better job in the second quarter, and then he just got into the teeth of our defense too much,” Redick said.
JJ Redick explains why the Lakers defense is struggling pic.twitter.com/bl4JUsju7b
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) April 26, 2025
Redick highlighted the team’s defensive breakdown as a key factor in their frustrating loss in Game 3 against the Timberwolves. He noted that poor communication and missed defensive assignments provided the Timberwolves with opportunities to score effortlessly, significantly altering the game’s momentum in their favor.
Redick Highlights Lakers’ Weak Rim Protection As Key To Loss
The Timberwolves started strong, dominating the first quarter. However, the Lakers made a comeback in the second quarter. Despite this, a defensive breakdown allowed the Timberwolves to take control in the third and fourth quarters. Ultimately, the Timberwolves won the game with a final score of 116-104. In the post-game interview, Redick mentioned that the Lakers’ lack of rim protection was also a factor in their loss.
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“The fact is we have no rim protection, so if we give up blow-bys, we’re going to give up a three or a shot at the rim… We’ll look at everything, but we still believe in Jaxson,” Redick said.
“The fact is we have no rim protection, so if we give up blow-bys, we’re going to give up a three or a shot at the rim… We’ll look at everything but we still believe in Jaxson.”
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 26, 2025
– JJ Redick pic.twitter.com/KvW8El1kvr
The Lakers are trailing 1-2 in their first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves. Excitement is building as they prepare for Game 4 at Target Center.
