The Minnesota Timberwolves staged a dominant finish to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 on Friday, taking a 2-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series, MySportDab Reports.
Jaden McDaniels scored a playoff career-high 30 points, while Anthony Edwards added 29, as Minnesota closed the game with a 13-1 run.
LeBron James, who scored 38 points along with 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, delivered a vintage performance. His tally broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for most points in a playoff game by a player over 40.
Despite his efforts, the Lakers fell short, as Minnesota now looks to extend their advantage in Game 4 at home on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Orlando Magic edged the Boston Celtics 95-93 to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Franz Wagner starred with 32 points and eight assists, while Paolo Banchero contributed 29 points and six rebounds.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 36 points but the Celtics were undone by 21 turnovers and poor three-point shooting.
Boston tied the game late, but back-to-back baskets from Wagner and key defensive stops allowed Orlando to escape with the win.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks bounced back at home with a 117-101 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. each scored 37 points, with Trent hitting a franchise playoff-record-tying nine three-pointers.
After trailing by 10 at halftime, Milwaukee turned the game around with a 39-18 third-quarter surge. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 28 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added a double-double.
Both the Bucks and Magic now have the chance to even their series at 2-2 when they host pivotal Game 4 matchups on Sunday.
