Anthony Edwards leads Timberwolves past Lakers in five games; Rockets dominate Warriors to force Game 6 in thrilling NBA Playoffs action.
Timberwolves 103, Lakers 96 (Minnesota Wins Series 4-1)
Edwards Dominates, Lakers Exit in First Round Again
The Minnesota Timberwolves wrapped up their first-round series in five games, eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 103-96 victory in Game 5. Anthony Edwards led the charge once again, sealing the series in front of a roaring home crowd.
Despite strong individual performances from Luka Dončić (28 points, 9 assists) and LeBron James (22 points), the Lakers never looked cohesive. Their Game 2 win remained their only spark in a series otherwise controlled by Minnesota.
Rudy Gobert was a force on both ends, finishing with 27 points and 24 rebounds—becoming just the second player in Timberwolves history to post a 20-20 game in the playoffs.
Minnesota has now won playoff series in back-to-back years for the first time ever and will face the winner of the Rockets-Warriors matchup in the second round.
Rockets 131, Warriors 116 (Golden State Leads Series 3-2)
Houston Blows Out Warriors to Stay Alive
The Houston Rockets lived to fight another day, delivering a statement 131-116 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5. Facing elimination, the young Rockets exploded for 76 first-half points and led by as much as 31.
Veteran Fred VanVleet was Houston’s steady hand, scoring 26 points and hitting 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. He got plenty of help from Amen Thompson (25 points, 5 steals, 3 blocks), Alperen Şengün (15 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists), and Dillon Brooks (24 points).
The Warriors, sensing the game slipping away early, benched their starting five—including Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler—midway through the third quarter. The reserves briefly sparked a fourth-quarter run, but the comeback fell short.
Jalen Green, Houston’s leading scorer during the regular season, continued his quiet series with just 11 points on 8 shots.
Game 6 shifts to San Francisco on Friday, where the Warriors will get another shot to close out the series at home.
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