The NBA Playoffs are well underway as every first-round series is at least two games deep.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, they used Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves to even out the series 1-1 before heading on the road for Game 3 and Game 4.
JJ Redick’s squad looked much more prepared in Game 2, securing a big 94-85 win over the Timberwolves.
The Lakers had a new level of intensity en route to evening out the series, something they didn’t have in Game 1.
Luka Doncic was brilliant for the Lakers, scoring 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting, adding 12 rebounds and nine assists as a plus-12 in the box score.
Defensively, Los Angeles forced any Minnesota player not named Anthony Edwards or Julius Randle to struggle from the field.
A good first-quarter start was pivotal to Redick’s squad, and that could very well be the case in Game 3 as the Lakers will be on the road.
One key Lakers member will be impacted as the series moves to Minneapolis, however.
© Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Redick announces Rui Hachimura news
Ahead of Game 3, Redick announced that Lakers starter Rui Hachimura will be available, though he is dealing with a face injury suffered in Game 2.
“JJ Redick said Rui Hachimura is good to go for Game 3 at Minnesota after taking a shot to the face early in Game 2, returning to the action and getting checked after the game. He’ll wear a mask in Game 3,” Mike Trudell shared on X.
Hachimura took a big hit in the Lakers’ last game, causing him to exit the game before re-entering following an exam.
The face injury won’t leave the Japanese star out of the coming playoff contest between the two sides, but he will wear a mask for precautionary reasons.
