1 week Ago By Athlon Sports
It was not to be for the Lakers. Heading into Minnesota for a pair of critical games against one of the toughest No. 6 seeds in recent memory, the Lakers badly needed at least one win to regain control of the series and give themselves back the homecourt advantage.
But after dropping Game 3 with a late collapse--a 13-1 run to close that one--the Lakers again ran out of steam against the Timberwolves in Game 4 on Sunday, and again suffered a key loss, 116-113. They were outscored 32-19 in the final period, squandering a double-digit lead in the process.One of the most important plays of the game came late in the fourth quarter, when Timberwolves defender Jaden McDaniels attempted to guard Doncic out near midcourt.
As Doncic dribbled, his foot got tangled with Daniels' left foot, and Doncic went down to the floor. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) calls a timeout after stumbling on the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Matt Blewett-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers had to call a timeout on the play to maintain possession, and that timeout wound up being critical when the Lakers were trying to set up their final play of the game, down three points.
The Lakers were out of timeouts and had to scramble to get off a missed Austin Reaves shot in the corner that would have sent the game to overtime. But the real issue is whether Doncic was tripped intentionally by McDaniels. In real time, it did not appear so, but in slow motion, it does look as though McDaniels intentionally put his foot where he knew Doncic's foot would land.
Luka Doncic got tripped, no call pic.twitter.com/BExKpTEd06— Tedd Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) April 27, 2025It's a tough play to legislate, but Doncic was asked about it after the game and while he kept his composure, he left no doubt about his feelings on the situation.
"What do you think? You think I got tripped?" Doncic said.Luka: “What do you think? You think I got tripped? I felt like I was tripped” 😒 pic.twitter.
com/OExb2fEWBH— LAVE (@TheLakersAve) April 27, 2025Luka: "I think I got tripped. For sure."— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 27, 2025"I think I got tripped," he said, via Lakers Daily.
"For sure."Doncic was slowed in Game 3 because of a stomach virus, but was rested for Game 4. He played well for three quarters and finished with 38 points on 13-for-28 shooting.
But he struggled (1-for-6) in the fourth quarter, as the Lakers collapsed. The Lakers will attempt to keep their season alive with a Game 5 showing in Los Angeles on Wednesday night..
