The Minnesota Timberwolves held off the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series.
Jaden McDaniels delivered a career-high 30 points, while Anthony Edwards added 29, including key plays in a 13-1 scoring run to close the game.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 38 points, surpassing a playoff record for players over 40 with his performance.
Despite a stomach illness that slowed Luka Doncic, the Lakers fought back to tie the game at 103-103 late, but Edwards and McDaniels sealed the win. The Timberwolves now look to extend their series lead in game four on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic clawed back to make their series against the Boston Celtics 2-1 with a 95-93 victory at home.
Franz Wagner scored 32 points, and Paolo Banchero added 29 as the Magic overcame a late comeback from the Celtics. Boston’s Jayson Tatum dropped 36 points, but Orlando’s resilience in the final moments held off the defending champions, who couldn’t capitalize on a final possession with three-tenths of a second left.
In Milwaukee, the Bucks rebounded from a game-two loss to beat the Indiana Pacers, 118-102.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. each scored 37 points, with Trent drilling nine three-pointers, tying the Bucks’ playoff record.
The Bucks erased a 10-point halftime deficit, dominating the third quarter to take control. Both the Bucks and Magic now aim to level their series on Sunday.
