Lakers earn bounceback win over Wolves in Game 2

Behind a sterling defensive performance, the Lakers leveled the series with a Game 2 win over the Wolves.

The Lakers responded to their Game 1 loss with an impressive defensive performance in Game 2 on Tuesday, leading to a 94-85 bounceback win to level the series.

Luka Dončić ended with 31 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. LeBron James scored 21 points to go with his 11 rebounds and seven assists. Austin Reaves pitched in with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Rui Hachimura finished with 11 points and five rebounds after taking a blow to the face early in the game and being forced into a mask. Gabe Vincent went 2-4 from behind the arc and ended with six points. Dorian Finney-Smith had seven points and five rebounds.

Los Angeles came out with urgency and an electric energy, scoring nine straight points early. Luka once again was the one who shouldered the offensive load. Their scoring run jumped to 11-4 and forced a timeout from the Wolves.

Out of the break, Gabe knocked down a 3-pointer as LA continued with an onslaught of offense while playing much better defense. The run extended to 23-6 as the lead ballooned to 15.

Anthony Edwards ended Minnesota’s scoring drought as he drained a 3-pointer. LA’s defense was a major factor in their excellent play. They suffocated the Timberwolves and forced them to take difficult shots.

Donte DiVincenzo picked up three fouls in the first quarter. The quarter ended with a 3-pointer from Gabe and a big-time defensive play from Jarred Vanderbilt, putting LA up 19.

The Wolves scored the first four points of the second, but it didn’t do much because LA kept their foot on the gas. The Lakers held Naz Reid to zero points before he, too, picked up his third foul.

Luka continued to dominate offensively, scoring repeatedly while embarrassing Rudy Gobert. Julius Randle’s 10 points in this quarter were the only thing keeping the Timberwolves relatively alive.

Edwards scored four more points and became the second Wolves player in double figures. The Lakers seemed to be losing some offensive steam and backing away from the great defense that had given them so much momentum.

As we’ve seen before, Los Angeles was beginning to close the quarter poorly as they allowed the Wolves to score eight straight. The once 22-point Lakers lead was shaved down to 15 at halftime.

Both teams started the second half cold until Edwards ignited everyone with an emphatic dunk over Jaxson Hayes. The referees were quick with the whistle early in the quarter, leading to a flurry of fouls.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, Hayes picked up his fourth foul. He had only played seven minutes so far in the game.

Four straight points from Edwards caused LA to call a timeout. Out of the break, Luka converted on a jumper using the glass. The Lakers then scored five points that helped stretch their lead to 18.

LA continued to apply pressure with its suffocating defense that was causing Minnesota to rush shots. The Timberwolves attempted to mount a quick comeback at the end of the quarter, but the Lakers held them off to lead by 16 at the end of the third.

The final frame opened with a jumper by Austin. Hayes then picked up his fifth foul. Minnesota scored 10 points, which made it a nervous time for the Lakers. LA was on a brutal six-minute scoring drought and their lead sank to single digits.

Austin found LeBron for a fast-break layup that finally ended their drought. Los Angeles would have to rely on their defense to help stop the Wolves, who continued to apply pressure.

With three minutes left in the game, Los Angeles was holding onto a fragile nine-point lead. However, their defense limited the Wolves down the stretch.

After a turnover from Luka, LeBron stole the ball from Edwards and took it to the hoop for a floater. A layup from Luka amongst many defenders sealed the win.

Key Takeaways:

Do you guys think Rudy Gobert has nightmares of Luka terrorizing him?

The Lakers’ next game will be Game 3 on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 6:30 PM PT.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.