The Lakeshow Review

94-85. This is the type of score you’d have associated with a mid 2000s contest, instead of a contemporary one. But that’s the type of game the Lakers and Timberwolves played last Tuesday, when LA eeked out a hard fought and physical battle to tie the series at one apiece. The Lakers proved they can hang with Minnesota’s physicality, but one would think there would have to be a bit more in their arsenal in order to pull off this series.

The Lakers raced out to a 35-14 lead by the end of the first. One which was propelled by exceptional energy and intensity to start the game; after a comprehensively flat performance in game one. They were able to get out and run, getting some easy buckets in transition, as well as making the Timberwolves show their help early and making them rotate their defense. Yet again, this was something that was absent during their previous loss, where they consistently attempted to attack a set defense as opposed to being aggressive in forcing them to rotate. Luka Dončić got off to his customary hot start, hitting a bank-in three from the top of the key after a high pick and roll early in the opening quarter, which set the tone for his team. Luka finished with a stellar 31 points on 20 shots, while grabbing 12 boards and dishing out 9 assists, after only having one dime during game one. This game, the Lakers were able to offer a more well rounded offensive attack, with LeBron contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, and Austin Reaves chipping in with a 16/5/5 slash line. Ideally, you’d like to get a bit more juice from this big three, but in a low scoring affair, every contribution matters. Rui Hachimura also clocked in at double figures with 11 points.

LA displayed some different looks offensively compared to the first game, finding early success with their horns sets (which is when the ballhandler sets up high at the top of the key, with two players on opposite elbows ready to screen and two shooters spaced out on each corner). The Lakers generally continue to successfully attack small v. big switches, whether its Luka on Gobert or Reaves on Gobert. They also were able to get LeBron some easy looks near the elbow early in the game. LeBron, however, needs to do a better job of attacking mismatches in the post, particularly when smaller guys like Mike Conley are switched onto him. He’s been mostly ineffective on these during the first two games. Improved effort also helped LA attack the offensive glass which led to more second chance points. Unlike the previous game, LA was able to win the rebounding battle 41-34. Minnesota won the turnover battle 14-13, however the points-off-turnovers tilted towards LA, 15-13. The points-in-the-paint ended in a 46-46 draw. Unlike game one, the Wolves did not dominate in all the hustle categories, as LA’s heightened intensity seemed to catch Minnesota by surprise, who came out of the gates determined to outmuscle the Lakers. This is certainly encouraging.

Despite their hot start, and an evident uptick in urgency, the Lakers weren’t able to find a consistent source of shot-making, as the team sputtered and stagnated offensively for significant stretches during game two. The Timberwolves successfully chipped at LA’s lead both late in the first half, and early in the fourth quarter. In a crucial turn of events, the Lakers were able to win the third quarter, which secured them a sizeable cushion heading into the fourth. And it was needed, as the the team struggled to maintain its scoring pace after a hot start and end the game on a high note So far, this has proved to be a theme for the Lakers during both games. They have struggled to settle into an offensive groove. I still think they’re going to need even sharper execution out of their horns sets (the man at the elbow is usually catching the ball too far out), and they’re also going to have to continue incorporating a healthy dose of stagger screens (Luka has been very effective attacking out of these throughout his career), and even more step-up screens in order to counter ice coverages and allow the ball handler (whether Luka, Reaves or LeBron) to snake the screen and get to the middle of the floor, where the defense becomes more vulnerable. In general, more counters will be necessary for when the Timberwolves are anticipating an action, and are able to blow it up after they’ve seen it a couple of times. Which the’ve been doing so far in these first two games, thus halting the Lakers’ offense.

The Timberwolves continue to playing very aggressively on both sides of the ball. Surprisingly, they haven’t employed a great deal of drop coverage, instead opting for more switching on both ball screens and handoffs. Throughout the regular season, Minnesota ranked 27th as the team least likely to switch defensively on ball screens. This has perhaps taken the Lakers by surprise, as they still seem to be adjusting to the Wolves’ sudden willingness to switch everything on the perimeter. LA needs to be even more aggressive in attacking these mismatches/switches, and preach even more off-ball movement in order for LeBron and Luka to rack up assists on timely cuts to the hoop.

Offensively, the Timberwolves’ best player seems to be Julius Randle, who despite his past playoff struggles, has found success going up against the likes of Rui Hachimura and LeBron James. This game, he led his side with 27 points on 17 shots, as well as a team high 6 assists. All-league standout Anthony Edwards also had 25 points on (on 22 shots) to go with 6 boards. Ant has been kept relatively quiet (by his lofty standards). So you have to figure he will burst out for a big game in Minnesota. The Lakers did a good job of not over-helping on drives to the basket, which was a significant factor in slowing down Minnesota’s specialists such as Naz Reid (9 points) and Donte DiVicenzo (4 points). Both of whom had big nights in game one, and both are seemingly surgical at punishing reckless over-helping. The Lakers, for the most part were able to stay at home and not show their help early. It doesn’t hurt that their defensive intensity was also much improved. Minnesota’s lack of playmaking could pose an issue for them, as in this game both Randle and Edwards missed several reads on double teams, and missed key potential assists on off-ball movement (Edwards was held to 0 dimes after tallying 9 in game one). But even so, Randle’s physicality and willingness to attack Hachimura or LeBron with the ball in his hands must be accounted for. However, LA is still best served to have the help defense stay at home against Randle and force him to be a one-on-one player throughout the series. In my opinion, this is a good gamble. Time will tell with Edwards, who has yet to have one of his customary big games this series, but if/when he does, hopefully Randle won’t be joining him.

All in all, the Lakers were able to outlast the Timberwolves in a hard fought and physical game. One that got testy at times, but to the Lakers’ credit, they were able to maintain their composure. In this game, the team rode its great effort and intensity. However, they were not able to successfully compliment that intensity with consistent shot-making. A more aggressive game plan on the pick and roll is still missing. With a ball screen virtuoso in Luka Dončić, who’s also flanked by some very capable offensive players, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be running some kind of screening action seemingly every possession. Far too often do these possessions devolve into isolations, where the Lakers don’t have the athleticism to combat and break down the Wolves. They need to do so as a unit; by incorporating screens and off-ball movement both more frequently and purposefully. You can expect Minnesota to bounce back at home in terms of their intensity. And you can expect their role players to be more involved. The Lakers should make sure that game two’s tenacity travels with them, and they should also be cognizant of the fact that improved execution will be needed to fill the scoresheet. One would be unwise to predict another slugfest, as in the case of Minnesota, teams usually play more energized and focused at home. I credit the Lakers for being able to bounce back after game one’s humiliation. But the question remains, can they build off of their momentum, or will their offensive output continue to stagnate? Either way, the series is tied, and the onus is now on the team to capitalize on the opportunity to reclaim the home court advantage. Now is not the time for complacency.

Go Lakers.