Anthony Edwards Elevating Balanced Timberwolves to Success

4th Quarters

Fourth quarters have been crucial for the Timberwolves throughout this series. They’ve outscored the Lakers 105–69 in the final period, including a dominant 62–39 margin in Games 3 and 4.

Many national media pundits picked the Lakers, expecting that the late-game experience of stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James would prove decisive. Instead, it’s been the Timberwolves’ depth, coaching, and, of course, the stellar play of Anthony Edwards that have powered their strong finishes.

Ant-Man Continues to Elevate

Anthony Edwards has been the best player this series, outshining two of the league’s biggest stars, LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

His poise, decisiveness, and aggression have been key to the Timberwolves’ success. Edwards has taken care of the ball, committing just six turnovers across four games, and has shown maturity by making quick decisions when double-teamed— moving the ball and trusting his teammates to make plays. Edwards has also been aggressive, consistently getting downhill and attacking the basket with purpose.

He appears to have developed a better feel for when to assert himself, particularly in the fourth quarter. During the regular season, he often resorted to hero ball in clutch situations, forcing shots and committing costly turnovers. But in these playoffs, he’s demonstrated a stronger grasp of the moment and what it demands. He’s rising to the occasion more consistently when it matters most. In this series, he leads all players with 30 fourth-quarter points, along with 12 rebounds and seven assists, while shooting over 40% from three-point range.

After Game 4, when asked about these big moments late in games, Edwards said, “I been dreaming of this all my life.” It’s safe to say he’s turning those dreams into reality.

X Factor: Jaden McDaniels

Jaden McDaniels has been the X-factor for the Timberwolves in this Lakers series.

He’s contributed effectively on both ends of the floor, scoring and rebounding at a high level. In Game 1, McDaniels posted 25 points and nine rebounds, shooting an efficient 11-of-13 from the field and 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. In Game 3, he matched his career high with 30 points.

Perhaps more importantly, he’s delivered elite defensive performances against one of the greatest offensive talents in NBA history, Luka Dončić. While Dončić continues to score, McDaniels has limited his impact late in games— a critical stretch where the Timberwolves have consistently taken control. Dončić has also been less effective as a rebounder and playmaker, thanks in large part to McDaniels’ relentless pressure. He’s picking Dončić up full court, fighting through screens, and working tirelessly to avoid switches— wearing him down throughout each game.

This is the version of McDaniels that Timberwolves fans believed he could become— and in these playoffs, he’s proving them right.

Randle’s Steady Hand

Julius Randle has been a major contributor to the Timberwolves’ success in these playoffs so far.

While his play hasn’t been flashy, it’s been undeniably impactful. He’s scored well, topping 20 points in three of the four games, often by taking advantage of smaller players in the post. And has provided steady ball-handling and playmaking as well. After committing seven turnovers in Game 1, he’s tightened things up, turning the ball over just three times since. 

Defensively, Randle has held his own, using his physicality to make life difficult for both LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

His all-around contributions have been a key factor in the Timberwolves’ strong showing thus far.

Timberwolves’ Depth

It hasn’t just been Edwards, McDaniels, and Randle making an impact for the Timberwolves— Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo have also played key roles. While DiVincenzo hasn’t shot particularly well, his defensive energy has been vital. He’s disrupted plays with deflections and steals, made highlight-reel blocks, and consistently found himself in the right spots on offense, making smart, timely decisions that have contributed to the team’s success.

Reid, meanwhile, has experienced some inconsistency following a spectacular Game 1 performance, where he scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting— including a perfect 6-of-6 from three. Still, he’s delivered in crucial moments. In the fourth quarter of this series, Reid has scored 26 points while shooting an incredible 90% from the field and 100% from beyond the arc. 

While not known for his defense, Reid’s size and athleticism have been instrumental in disrupting the Lakers’ offense.

Timberwolves Look to Close Out the Series on Wednesday

With a 3–1 series lead over the Lakers, the Timberwolves could close out the series in Game 5 on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. If they continue to play with cohesion and confidence, they stand a strong chance of advancing past the first round.

Tune in to Game 5, Wednesday on TNT at 9 p.m. Central Time.