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Los Angeles Lakers Legendary Magic Johnson criticized the team’s fourth quarter game plan as they fell behind 3-1 in the opening round playoff series with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers coach JJ Redick appeared to have maintained his lineup, inspired by a 14-0 run to start the third quarter. LeBron JamesLuka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith – on the rest of the game’s floor.
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick will respond to a team that lost the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lead in the NBA playoffs at Minneapolis’ Target Center on April 27, 2025. (Matt Blewett-Immagn image)
Fatigue appeared to be set later in the game. Donsic had overcome his stomach illness as he and James each played for 46 minutes. James was scoreless in the fourth quarter. The Lakers kept the T’Wolves at bay in the fourth quarter despite taking the lead.
Minnesota won Game, 116-113. They outperformed the Lakers 105-69 in the fourth quarter on the course of the series.
Johnson expressed his disappointment for X.
“I don’t know if it’s wise to play LeBron and Luka throughout the second half after only one day of rest between games 3 and 4. He scored fourth-highest zero points when LeBron couldn’t take over in the fourth quarter,” Johnson wrote.
“I’m just sick of my stomach that the Lakers lost this game after controlling most of the second half.”
Magic Johnson watches the Clemson Tigers and Kansas Jay Hawks in the semi-finals of the NCAA Tournament held at the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska on March 23, 2018. (Kyle Terada-Usa Today Sports)
Reddick explained that he had not planned a decision for a second lineup.
“I asked at the beginning of the fourth quarter [how they were doing] And I told them there were two extra timeouts,” Redick said. Via ESPN. “‘Please let me know if you need a sub.” They gave a lot. ”
Doncic said fatigue should not be a factor at the time of this season.
“Fatigue shouldn’t play a role in this,” Donsic added. “I played a lot of minutes and it shouldn’t play a role. I think they just did better on the offensive edge in the final minutes.”
The Los Angeles Lakers respond to a replay confirming they fouled Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards in the NBA playoffs at Minneapolis’ Target Center on April 27, 2025. (Matt Blewett-Immagn image)
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Game 5 is set for Wednesday in Los Angeles.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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