Timberwolves, Magic, and Bucks Win Crucial Playoff Games

April 26, 2025
TIMBER

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.

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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.

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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.

The Beacon NG Newspaper