Game 1 wasn’t just a loss. It was a wake-up call—and not the kind you hit snooze on. What was supposed to be a confident playoff opener turned into a full-on Minnesota masterclass, right in the middle of Crypto.com Arena. JJ Redick looked calm walking into the building, but by the time the final buzzer sounded, there was a different kind of tension in the air. This wasn’t just a setback on the scoreboard; it was a potential fracturing of confidence, a stark reminder of the heightened intensity and execution required in playoff basketball.
No, it’s not the end of the world. It’s one game. But if you were paying attention, it felt like something shifted. Like maybe this Timberwolves team didn’t just steal home court—they might’ve grabbed the wheel entirely.
And now, Redick’s got 15 players, a locker room full of questions, and about four days to stop the panic from spreading. The start? Solid. The Lakers came out with energy, got up 28–21, and it looked like we might be in for a classic. But then… they just unraveled. It was like Minnesota flipped a switch and the Lakers couldn’t find theirs.
By halftime, the Timberwolves had dropped 38 in the second quarter alone. Everything was clicking. Ball movement? Crisp. Perimeter shooting? Lethal. Defensive effort? Smothering. Minnesota’s offensive explosion wasn’t just about hot shooting; it was a display of cohesive teamwork and relentless pressure that the Lakers had no answer for.
Lakers Legend James Worthy nailed it when he said it wasn’t just about one game—it was the tone that got set. And once Minnesota got rolling, LA never looked like they were on the same page defensively. The inability to regain control after Minnesota’s run suggests a deeper issue than just a bad quarter; it hints at a lack of defensive cohesion and adaptability.
“You can’t have defensive inconsistencies,” Worthy said. “So many uncontested threes…” And he’s not exaggerating. Minnesota made 21 triples on 42 attempts. That’s fifty percent. Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards—every time they let one fly, it felt like it was already in. This barrage of three-pointers wasn’t just luck; it was a direct result of breakdowns in the Lakers’ defensive rotations and a failure to close out effectively on shooters.
The Lakers fall to the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. @RealAClifton, @mike_bresnahan, and @JamesWorthy42 recap the Game 1 loss. pic.twitter.com/hpRIrW6zx5
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) April 20, 2025
But honestly, it wasn’t just about the defense. That Lakers bench got cooked. Minnesota’s second unit put up 43 points. LA’s? 13. Total.
Naz Reid came in and did whatever he wanted. Twenty-three points off the bench like it was light work. And you could see it on the Lakers’ faces—they were waiting for someone to respond. But that response never came.
This is where it gets real for JJ Redick. He had 15 playoff spots to fill. Fifteen. And in Game 1, the difference between the two benches was so loud it echoed. These are the guys he picked to trust, and in their first real test, they came up short. Redick’s rotation choices are now under intense scrutiny, as the performance of his trusted reserves directly contributed to the Game 1 defeat.
“They attacked Reeves,” Worthy said. “Mismatch after mismatch… Naz, Jaden, those guys are six-eight, six-nine. They’re tough.”
Redick built this rotation with the idea of spacing, versatility, and smart defense. But when Minnesota turned it up, the Lakers’ second unit folded. That can’t happen in the playoffs. Not now.
The rim said “Not today, Lakers”
Luka Doncic did what he could. Thirty-seven points in his playoff debut with the Lakers. That’s not nothing. But the offense? Man, it looked stale. Way too much iso, not enough flow, and when Luka wasn’t creating magic, the whole thing just froze. Doncic’s individual brilliance couldn’t overcome the Lakers’ stagnant offensive system, which became predictable and easier for the Timberwolves to defend.
They finished with fifteen assists. That’s it. For a team with this much talent, that number’s a red flag waving in Redick’s face.
LeBron chipped in 19, but missed four of his five threes. Austin Reaves couldn’t find a rhythm. D’Angelo Russell was just… invisible. It felt like guys were standing around watching Luka instead of moving with purpose. The lack of consistent offensive contributions from key players beyond Doncic further exacerbated the Lakers’ scoring woes and highlighted their offensive limitations.
And again, when they needed a lift from the bench, nothing. There was no second wind. No push. Just frustration and empty trips.
Dec 13, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts after his team’s play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
This is what it comes down to now. This is where we find out what JJ Redick’s really made of. It’s not about his playing career. Not about his podcast takes. This is coaching in real time—on the biggest stage, with a team that’s suddenly fighting to avoid falling into a 0–2 hole.
And here’s the thing: Minnesota knows what they have. They can feel it. As Worthy said, they sniff it. They’ve got confidence, balance, and now, home court advantage.
Redick has to reset the tone. Fix the defensive rotations. Demand more ball movement. And most importantly, light a fire under that second unit. Because this isn’t just about Xs and Os. This is about pride. He’s got 15 guys who need to look in the mirror. And if they don’t respond in Game 2? This series could spiral fast.
One game doesn’t decide a series. But sometimes, it reveals more than you want it to. JJ Redick and his 15-man roster just got a dose of playoff reality—and now, all eyes are on what comes next. Game 2 is coming fast. And if LA doesn’t show some fight, Minnesota might not just win this round… they might run away with it. The Lakers’ response in Game 2 will be a true litmus test of their resilience and their coach’s ability to rally the troops.
The post After Scary Incident, Lakers Legend Rings Alarm Bells For JJ Redick & 15 Others As Problems Brew in LA appeared first on EssentiallySports.
