Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Lakers Allow 42 Open Threes As Timberwolves Drain 21 In Game 1 Beatdown
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis > Lakers Allow 42 Open Threes As Timberwolves Drain 21 In Game 1 Beatdown

Lakers Allow 42 Open Threes As Timberwolves Drain 21 In Game 1 Beatdown

Minnesota feasted on 42 open threes as Lakers’ defense crumbled under poor rotations and overhelping.

Vishwesha Kumar
Apr 20, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers were lit up from beyond the arc in Game 1 of their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the numbers behind the Timberwolves’ three-point barrage are damning. 

According to Keith Smith, Minnesota shot 21-of-42 from deep—a scorching 50%—but what’s more shocking is the quality of looks they got: 27 were classified as wide open, 15 as open, and zero were contested.

That means the Timberwolves didn’t just get hot from three, they were allowed to get comfortable. The Lakers’ perimeter defense was non-existent, and their collapse on nearly every drive led to open looks everywhere, particularly in the corners, where shooters like Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker feasted.

The root of the Lakers’ defensive breakdowns came from overhelping on drives. With Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley attacking the paint, the Lakers collapsed heavily, often sending multiple defenders toward the ball. 

But rather than rotating crisply or closing out with urgency, they left shooters completely unguarded. The Wolves moved the ball well, and with the Lakers in scramble mode for most of the game, nearly every three-point attempt was taken in rhythm.

A lot of this starts at the point of attack. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both repeatedly blown by, and once penetration happened, the dominoes fell. The low man helped, the wing rotated late, and Minnesota found an open shooter in the corner. Rinse and repeat.

Defenders lost track of assignments, failed to close out, or simply gambled too much. In the first quarter alone, the Timberwolves knocked down six wide-open threes and set the tone for the rest of the night. The Lakers allowed 117 points in total, but it’s the 63 points off threes that doomed them.

Even worse, this wasn’t some outlier hot-shooting game by Minnesota. These were high-quality looks created against soft, hesitant defense. The Lakers can’t just hope the Timberwolves cool off, they have to take those shots away. And that means more ball pressure, better screen navigation, and smarter help defense.

The communication also needs to improve. Too often, Lakers defenders were caught in no man’s land, not knowing whether to fully help or stay on the shooter. 

That confusion led to multiple possessions where three defenders chased the ball while two shooters stood wide open. In playoff basketball, that’s a recipe for disaster.

It’s clear the Lakers’ game plan was to prioritize paint defense and prevent Edwards from exploding downhill. But in doing so, they abandoned the three-point line. The Timberwolves gladly took what they were given and made them pay.

If the Lakers don’t drastically tighten up their perimeter defense, this series could be over before it even starts. The number “42” won’t just haunt them, it’ll end their season. 

Expect adjustments in Game 2, especially in terms of switching, help discipline, and closing out. Because one thing’s certain: If they allow 42 open threes again, they’ll be packing for Cancun sooner than expected.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Los Angeles Lakers ArchiveMinnesota Timberwolves Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByVishwesha Kumar
Follow:
Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
Previous Article Dwight Howard Picks Magic To Upset Celtics In Shocking Playoff Prediction
Next Article Lakers Fans Concerned As LeBron James’ Track Record After Game 1 Losses Suggests Trouble
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Brooklyn, NY, USA; Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected with the number one overall pick to the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
NBA News & Analysis

WNBA Commissioner Denies Making Controversial Caitlin Clark Comments

October 3, 2025
Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) high fives head coach JJ Redick during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Provides Update On Luka Doncic After He Gets Ruled Out For Lakers’ First 2 Preseason Games

October 3, 2025
Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Reveals He Has “Unfinished Business” With Phoenix Suns

October 3, 2025
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics News & Analysis

New Return Date For Jayson Tatum Could Put Celtics Back In Championship Picture

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?