Lakers-Timberwolves: 3 things to watch for in Game 4

MINNEAPOLIS — The Lakers are down, but not out, after dropping Game 3 of their first-round playoff series to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night to fall behind 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

The Timberwolves have not only won eight of the 12 quarters played so far, but they’ve outscored the Lakers by 25 in the series.

Here are three things to keep an eye on during Game 4 on Sunday afternoon:

PERIMETER DEFENSE

The Lakers’ defensive struggles with keeping the Timberwolves’ ball-handlers in front of them was a significant talking point from Game 3.

The Timberwolves scored a series-high 56 points in the paint on Friday, consistently finding ways to get into the teeth of the Lakers’ defense.

Some of Minnesota’s success with getting into the paint can be attributed to the Lakers’ 19 turnovers, which directly led to 28 Timberwolves’ points, fueling the hosts’ transition offense.

But the Lakers overall weren’t physical enough on defense in Game 3, a drop off from a Game 2 performance when they set the tone with their physicality.

The Timberwolves drove toward the basket with not enough resistance in front of them, either creating shots for themselves at the rim, kicking the ball out for perimeter shots or getting the Lakers in rotation.

The Lakers also weren’t physical enough with their off-ball defense, allowing cutters to run to their spots too easily.

Minnesota’s athleticism and size advantages were evident before the series started. And they’ve been exploited throughout the first three games, giving the Timberwolves an early advantage.

But the Lakers know they can, and need to, combat their disadvantages by being more physical and connected defensively.

They can’t allow straight-line drives to the basket like they did in Game 3.

ADJUSTING TO ADJUSTMENTS

After not consistently countering the way the Lakers were defending him in Games 1 and 2, it appeared the Timberwolves were able to find ways to make the game easier for All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards in Game 3.

Edwards finished with 29 points (12-of-26 shooting), eight rebounds and eight assists, the most points and field goal attempts he’s had in a game so far in the series, and one fewer assist than the nine he had in Game 1.

There were multiple reasons for Edwards’ series-best performance on Friday.

He made half of his pull-up 3-point attempts (3 for 6) after making just 2 of 13 pull-up attempts from behind the arc in the first two games.

But Edwards was also more decisive with his decision-making when attacking the Lakers’ defense, making them pay for the help they were showing when he had the ball in his hands.

The Timberwolves also made Edwards’ job easier by realigning their spacing when the Lakers sent help, either making it easier for him to drive or have a teammate to pass too without getting under duress.

How will the Lakers respond to the Timberwolves’ adjustments?

HAYES’ ROLE

Starting center Jaxson Hayes has been heavily scrutinized in light of his start to the series.

Hayes has recorded five points on 2-of-6 shooting, five rebounds and six personal fouls in 26 combined minutes in Games 1-3.

His rim-running and short roll opportunities have dropped against a Minnesota team trying to stay out of rotation. And his rim protection has regressed in the playoffs after he had, statistically, his best regular season in that area.

He barely played in the second half in the first three games.

When asked whether he’d consider playing center-less lineups full-time, Lakers coach JJ Redick responded: “We’ll look at everything … but still believe in Jaxson.”

Could the Lakers be on the brink of a starting lineup change? Sunday afternoon will provide that answer.

GAME 4: LAKERS AT TIMBERWOLVES

What: Western Conference, first round

When: Sunday, 12:30 p.m. PT

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis

TV/radio: ABC (Ch. 7)/710 AM