Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Lakers 103-96

Due to the Minnesota Timberwolves' poor shooting performance in Game 5, the Los Angeles Lakers had plenty of time to avoid postseason elimination.

Rudy Gobert stood up to the small-ball Lakers when his teammates faltered, and because to their big man, the Wolves are returning to the second round. With a decisive 103-96 win in their first-round series on Wednesday, Minnesota progressed in the NBA playoffs. Gobert recorded playoff career highs of 27 points and 24 rebounds, while Julius Randle contributed 23 points. Gobert stepped up when the Lakers deployed a centerless lineup, scoring more points than he managed in the series’ first four games combined. The Lakers also struggled defensively against Gobert, who dominated stretches on both ends. “Feels great, but not vindication,” Gobert said. “It’s not about beating a specific person. It’s about a championship, and we’ve got a little bit more work to do before that.”