The Wolves are deeper, bigger, tougher and better defensively than the Lakers. And they appear to be more cohesive.
The Lakers have played well since they traded for Doncic, but this matchup favors them only if Doncic and LeBron James play like interconnected superstars. Instead, they looked like they were taking turns making plays, while the Wolves’ star played like someone ready to reassert himself on the national stage.
Edwards didn’t have his most spectacular game, and he missed part of the second half with a leg cramp, but he displayed leadership and savvy, making the right plays and passes.
After Edwards left the floor, the Lakers, predictably, rallied, cutting the lead to 17. That’s right — triumph for the Lakers on this night consisted of forcing the Wolves to take a timeout with a 17-point lead late in the third.
There were two possessions that may have been indicative of the Wolves’ willingness to physically challenge two stars.
In the third, Wolves center Rudy Gobert bodied Doncic, who flailed at him, wearing that familiar pouty face.
