Anthony Edwards exploded for 43 points, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a thrilling 116-113 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their Western Conference quarterfinals series on Sunday in Minneapolis.
Edwards, who also grabbed nine rebounds and handed out six assists, helped Minnesota seize a commanding 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven matchup. Julius Randle added 25 points, while Jaden McDaniels posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite a gutsy 38-point performance from Luka Doncic, who bounced back after battling a stomach bug in Game 3, and a strong showing from LeBron James with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, the Lakers faltered in the final quarter. Rui Hachimura chipped in 23 points.
The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 32-19 in the fourth, with Austin Reaves missing a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.
Los Angeles seemed in control after Dorian Finney-Smith drained a clutch three to make it 113-111 late in the game. However, a pivotal three-point play by McDaniels and two clutch free throws from Edwards, awarded after a successful coach’s challenge, swung the momentum back to Minnesota.
Earlier, the Lakers opened the second half on a 14-0 run, turning a halftime deficit into a commanding 72-61 lead, capped off by a barrage of three-pointers from Hachimura, Doncic, and Reaves.
Tempers briefly flared when Rudy Gobert was whistled for a flagrant foul against James late in the third quarter.
The Timberwolves held a slim 61-58 edge at halftime before their dramatic late-game rally.