The La Lakers lost the playoff opener for the Minnesota Timber Wolves 95-117.
La Lakers head coach JJ Redick is left to look back at where everything went wrong against the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Playoff Series
Redick admitted that the Timberwolves were simply “hard to overcome” and cited their excellent physicality.
The Timberwolves claimed Reddick was simply out of the way as they managed to take Austin Reeves’ threat, limited to 17 points.
Lakers fans were frustrated that Jackson Hayes was only played for eight minutes despite the size disadvantages that Jaden McDaniels felt were notable.
Jarred Vanderbilt had a more clear, correctable yet worrying reason for the Lakers’ loss.
La Lakers defensive star Jarred Vanderbilt offered his views on the reasons for the La Lakers’ defeat, and he argued it was a matter of mindset.
He urged: “It’s the playoffs, guys, we just have to play hard. We need to feel more urgent.”
Vanderbilt’s comments were supported by the team’s legendary Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson felt the team’s approach was not worthy of the NBA playoffs.
He writes to X: “Tonight was one of the Lakers’ worst performances this season. They were flat, lacking energy and played like a regular season game.”
Jarred Vanderbilt played 14 minutes off the bench. In the process, I was able to catch Naz Reid with my elbow.
His post-match message to Lakers players was spotted and they needed to play with more intensity.
The Timberwolves took the leader midway through the first half, and the Lakers didn’t score it despite scoring 37 points.
As the Lakers will be holding Game 2 of the previous series, 3 and 4, in Minnesota, it is absolutely essential to make the most of their home advantage second.
Vanderbilt’s words should act as a wake-up call. If the Lakers come out in the same way in Game 1, they could be watching the playoff disaster.