The Los Angeles Lakers evened their first-round NBA playoff series with a 94-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. However, Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized that offensive improvement is crucial as the series shifts to Minneapolis.
Speaking with reporters, Redick offered a blunt assessment of the Lakers’ offensive performance in Game 2. “The tape showed we weren’t very good offensively,” Redick said, noting the need for more “thrust” and “pace” moving forward.
Tale Of The Tape: Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves — Game 2

Los Angeles scored just 94 points in Game 2, shooting 45.3% from the field and a mere 20.7% from three-point range, connecting on only six of 29 attempts. This output fell significantly below their season averages of 113.4 points per game on 47.9% shooting and 36.6% from three, where they typically hit 13.3 three-pointers per contest. Redick acknowledged that, “On a lot of nights in the postseason, shooting 6-of-29 on threes won’t cut it.”
While the Lakers struggled offensively, they demonstrated a complete turnaround on the defensive end. In stark contrast to Game 1, when the Timberwolves scored 117 points on 51.2% shooting and knocked down 21 three-pointers at a 50% clip, Los Angeles held Minnesota to just 85 points on 38% shooting from the field and 20% from three in Game 2.
The Timberwolves managed only five made three-pointers. By and large, though, Lakers fans are feeling much better now than they were in the immediate aftermath of the 22-point loss in Game 1. Redick and his staff made some necessary adjustments. More is still required in order for the team to be firing on all cylinders.
Luka Dončić once again anchored the Lakers with 31 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists, and a block, showcasing his playoff poise and ability to carry the offense. However, Redick’s postgame assessment signaled the team can’t rely on individual brilliance alone if they plan to advance.
The series now moves to Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves posted a 25-16 home record during the regular season. Game 3 is set for Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. With Games 3 and 4 on the road, the Lakers will aim to build on their defensive momentum while addressing Redick’s concerns about offensive efficiency. Given the stark contrast between the first two contests, Game 3 on Friday night could provide a strong indicator as to which of Minnesota or Los Angeles is truly in the driver’s seat in the series.