NBA roundup: Big second half lifts Wolves over Lakers

Field Level Media|published: Sat 26th April, 02:37 2025

NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves

Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) plays defense in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Jaden McDaniels scored 30 points, Anthony Edwards had 29, and the Minnesota Timberwolves finished strong for a 116-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on Friday night in Minneapolis.

Julius Randle added 22 points for Minnesota, which took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 will be Sunday in Minneapolis.

LeBron James netted 38 points on 13-for-21 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Los Angeles. Austin Reaves scored 20 points, thanks largely to five 3-pointers, and Luka Doncic scored 17 points but made only 6 of 16 shots from the field and 2 of 8 from 3-point range. Doncic also had five of Los Angeles' 19 turnovers but contributed eight assists and seven rebounds.

The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 62-46 in the second half.

Bucks 117, Pacers 101

Gary Trent Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo each scored 37 points while leading host Milwaukee to a comeback win over Indiana, cutting its deficit in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series to 2-1.

Trent was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Taurean Prince and delivered for coach Doc Rivers, hitting 9 of 12 on 3-point attempts. The nine tries tied the franchise playoff record set by Ray Allen in the 2001 Eastern Conference finals.

Pascal Siakam posted 28 points on 12-for-19 shooting for Indiana, which led by 12 points in the second quarter. Aaron Nesmith contributed 18 points while Tyrese Haliburton logged 14 points and 10 assists.

Magic 95, Celtics 93

Franz Wagner broke a late tie with consecutive driving hoops over Kristaps Porzingis, and Orlando survived a wild finish to hold off visiting Boston in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Wagner finished with a team-high 32 points and Paolo Banchero 29 for the Magic, who held serve after losing the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Boston. Game 4 also will be played at Orlando on Sunday.

Jayson Tatum had 36 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, but he also was responsible for seven of the team's 21 turnovers. Jaylen Brown chipped in with 19 points and Derrick White had 16 to go with five assists for Boston, which also lost both of its regular-season games at Orlando.

--Field Level Media