The Timberwolves seized Game 1 with a 120-98 blowout, stunning the Lakers early. Game 2 saw Los Angeles respond with a 115-110 win, led by LeBron’s 32 points. But Game 3 crushed the Lakers’ momentum, with Minnesota’s 112-102 victory behind Edwards’ 38 points. So, heading into Game 4, everything was on the line. Lakers were ready to give it their all, after all, it was a make-or-break moment. The desperation was clear from the opening tip.
However, the Timberwolves found a new level of grit when it mattered most in the fourth quarter. Jaden McDaniels hit a three-point play and then stole LeBron’s inbound pass. Anthony Edwards, dropping a playoff-high 43 points, sealed it with two clutch free throws. Although Luka Doncic had 38 points, he faded late, and LeBron, despite 27 points and 12 boards, was scoreless in the fourth. Minnesota outscored the Lakers again down the stretch, continuing a stunning late-season trend. And now that they are down 3-1, will they be able to make up the difference and stage a comeback?
Inside the NBA’s cast dove deep into the fiery LeBron vs. Ant-Man showdown. Everyone watched as Ant and LeBron engaged in a brief tussle. Charles Barkley loved Edwards’ grit, saying, “He was trying to use his will on that on LeBron. Try to wear him down, and I think it worked.”
Ernie Johnson highlighted that the Lakers were clinging to a three-point lead, but Barkley warned that if Ant got to the free-throw line enough, Minnesota would win. Even Patrick Mahomes joined the conversation online, posting, “No wayyy! Come on ant! ” after Edwards’ fearless drive. It felt like a battle of old versus new right before our eyes.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Men’s Semifinal – United States vs Serbia – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 08, 2024. Lebron James of United States, Kevin Durant of United States and Anthony Edwards of United States react. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Later on, Barkley didn’t hold back when talking about the Lakers’ uphill battle. He explained that you simply “can’t play a 40-year-old man” for such heavy minutes at this stage. He compared LeBron’s burden to Luka Doncic’s, stressing how physical and mental fatigue can be deadly in a long playoff run. Shaq chimed in, calling the next game a “win or go home” for LA, warning they’d be toast if they didn’t show up. With Minnesota now holding a 3-1 advantage, the Lakers need a miracle comeback. Can LeBron really summon one more historic performance?
Anthony Edwards shares his plan to be a “pest” for LeBron
Anthony Edwards, always brimming with energy and intensity, has become a thorn in LeBron James’ side during the Timberwolves’ playoff push. Despite learning from the Lakers star during their time together on Team USA last summer, Edwards’ mindset in this series is clear: be a nuisance.
“Just trying to be a pest out there,” Edwards said after leading the Wolves to a 116-113 comeback victory in Game 4. Edwards’ brash play included crucial moments in the second quarter, when he aggressively defended LeBron, drawing fouls and jawing at the Lakers. This was part of a larger trend of the Wolves’ relentless fourth-quarter dominance, where Edwards’ scoring, including 43 points in Game 4, played a pivotal role.
LeBron, while acknowledging Edwards’ rise, admitted, “I felt like the hand was a part of that ball.” This came after a controversial foul call in the final moments of the Game, where Edwards drove to the basket, drawing a foul from LeBron. Edwards capitalized, hitting two free throws that extended the Timberwolves’ lead to three points. James, though, expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, “That play happens all the time… Hand is part of the ball,” reflecting his belief that contact like that shouldn’t always result in a foul.
In the meantime, Edwards remained undeterred by the intense matchup. He even explained that his goal wasn’t to make a point, but simply to show LeBron and the Lakers that Minnesota was here to fight. “You ain’t just going to push around all night,” he said. With Edwards continuing to lead by example, the Timberwolves have made it clear—they won’t back down from the challenge, even against the King.
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