The Minnesota Timberwolves achieved a decisive 117-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, leveraging a physical style that surprised their opponents. JJ Redick and Austin Reaves noted that the Lakers struggled to match the Wolves’ intensity and physicality, particularly during a stretch where the Wolves outscored them 67-33 from the second quarter to midway through the third. LeBron James acknowledged the need for the Lakers to adjust to the playoff intensity and expressed confidence in being better prepared for Game 2.