The NBA playoffs heated up on Friday night with major statements from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic. Here’s how each game unfolded:
Timberwolves Slam the Door on Lakers in Game 3
Final Score: Timberwolves 116, Lakers 104
Series: Minnesota leads 2-1
In a high-energy battle at Target Center, Jaden McDaniels exploded for 30 points, while Anthony Edwards chipped in 29, helping the Timberwolves pull away from the Lakers in a dominant second half.
LeBron James did all he could for Los Angeles, dropping 38 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a historic performance — the most points ever scored in a playoff game by a player over 40. Austin Reaves added 20 points with five three-pointers, but Luka Dončić, battling illness, looked off rhythm with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting and committed five turnovers.
Minnesota dominated the second half 62-46, took advantage of the Lakers’ 19 turnovers, and sealed a crucial Game 3 win. Now, the pressure is squarely on L.A. heading into Sunday’s pivotal Game 4.
Key Stat: The Timberwolves had 13 more shot attempts and 20+ fast break points, leaving the Lakers scrambling.
Bucks Roar Back to Life Against Pacers
Final Score: Bucks 117, Pacers 101
Series: Indiana leads 2-1
Facing a potential 0-3 hole, the Bucks responded like true contenders. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. both dropped 37 points, leading Milwaukee’s impressive comeback at Fiserv Forum.
Trent was electric, hitting 9-of-12 from three, tying Ray Allen’s franchise playoff record for most triples in a game. After trailing by 10 at halftime, the Bucks dominated the third quarter 39-18, flipping the script and never looking back.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 28 points, but the Pacers couldn’t withstand Milwaukee’s surge. Now the Bucks aim to even the series at home on Sunday.
Fun Fact: Trent’s nine three-pointers matched a Bucks playoff record set back in 2001!
Magic Stun Celtics in a Nail-Biter
Final Score: Magic 95, Celtics 93
Series: Boston leads 2-1
In a wild finish in Orlando, Franz Wagner took over late, scoring back-to-back clutch baskets to lift the Magic to a dramatic Game 3 win over the defending champs.
Wagner led the Magic with 32 points, while Paolo Banchero added 29. The Magic showed incredible resilience, overcoming early deficits and withstanding a late Celtics rally fueled by Jayson Tatum’s 36-point night.
Boston tied the game 91-91 with two minutes left, but Wagner’s fearless drives gave Orlando the cushion they needed. A final desperate attempt from Boston came up short as the Magic held on for a crucial first win in the series.
Key Moment: Boston committed 21 turnovers, leading to 26 Magic points — a stat that ultimately cost them the game.
What’s Next?
- Game 4: Timberwolves vs. Lakers – Sunday, Minneapolis
- Game 4: Bucks vs. Pacers – Sunday, Milwaukee
- Game 4: Magic vs. Celtics – Sunday, Orlando
With momentum shifting, expect more fireworks as teams fight to level their series or grab commanding leads!
Your daily dose of sports action starts at DanredSports.com—where passion meets reporting!