Lakers run out of gas late as Timberwolves take 3-1 series lead

LOS ANGELES (KYMA, KECY) - The Los Angeles Lakers looked poised to even their first-round playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday until Anthony Edwards took over.

Despite holding a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and riding a strong third-quarter surge, the Lakers couldn’t keep up with Edwards down the stretch.

The Timberwolves' rising star erupted for 16 of his game-high 43 points in the final frame, fueling a furious comeback that ended with Minnesota pulling out a 116-113 win and a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick rolled the dice by sticking with the same five players, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, for the entire second half. It was an unusual strategy not seen in the playoffs in over two decades, and one that ultimately backfired.

"I felt like they were gassed," Edwards said after the game. "So I just kept my foot on the gas."

While James and Doncic both logged 46 minutes, their production dried up when it mattered most. The Lakers were outscored 32-19 in the fourth quarter, shooting just five-for-18 from the field.

James, who finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, was held scoreless in the final period. Doncic led L.A. with 38 points, but managed just seven in the fourth.

"We got good looks," James said, denying that fatigue played a role. "We just missed some point-blank shots."

The third quarter saw the Lakers surge with a 14-0 run behind the starting five. But by the fourth, Minnesota's energy, especially Edwards', proved too much.

Late-game execution also hurt L.A. A costly turnover on a sideline inbounds play and a controversial overturned call that went against James in the final 10 seconds added to the collapse.

After a challenge by Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, what was initially ruled out-of-bounds on Edwards was changed to a foul on James, sending Edwards to the line for the deciding free throws.

"I feel like the hand was part of the ball," James said of the call. "But it is what it is."

Reaves had a chance to send the game to overtime at the buzzer, but his corner three missed. Now facing elimination, the Lakers will try to extend the series Wednesday at home.

"We're going to get one," Hachimura said with confidence.

For a Lakers team fighting to survive, and a young Wolves squad playing fearless, it's all on the line in Game 5.