Timberwolves vs Lakers Match Players Stats Breakdown with Game 5 Recap of Gobert’s Big Night

The NBA Playoffs always bring drama, but Game 5 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers delivered a different level of intensity. Played on April 30, 2025, this wasn’t just another game—it was a statement. And the statement was loud and clear: the Timberwolves are for real.

With a dominant 103–96 victory, Minnesota closed out the first-round series 4–1, sending LeBron James and Luka Dončić home far earlier than Lakers fans expected. From Rudy Gobert’s career night to the Lakers’ late-game stumbles, there was no shortage of storylines. Let’s break it all down.

The Final Blow as Timberwolves Take Game 5

If you looked at the stat sheet before watching the game, you might be confused. The Timberwolves shot a miserable 14.9% from three-point range (7-for-47!) and still won. That’s nearly unheard of in today’s three-happy NBA. But that’s what makes this Wolves team so dangerous—they can grind out wins even when the jumpers aren’t falling.

They did it with toughness, defense, rebounding, and just enough offensive punch. And standing tall—literally and figuratively—was Rudy Gobert, who put up a ridiculous 27 points and 24 rebounds, a playoff career-high.

Final Scoreboard

Starting Lineups

Minnesota Timberwolves

• PG: Mike Conley
• SG: Anthony Edwards
• SF: Jaden McDaniels
• PF: Julius Randle
• C: Rudy Gobert

Los Angeles Lakers

• PG: Luka Dončić
• SG: Austin Reaves
• SF: LeBron James
• PF: Rui Hachimura
• C: Christian Wood

Player Performances That Mattered

Rudy Gobert wasn’t just good—he was unstoppable. The Lakers simply had no answer for his presence in the paint. On both ends of the floor, Gobert changed the dynamic, whether it was cleaning the glass or punishing smaller defenders inside.

Timberwolves Key Stats

Lakers Key Stats

Gobert’s Night of Dominance

Let’s talk more about Rudy Gobert. The Lakers went small, perhaps hoping to speed up the game and stretch Minnesota’s bigs. That plan backfired. Gobert absolutely owned the paint, grabbing nearly every available rebound and finishing efficiently at the rim.

He set the tone early and never let up. It wasn’t just his stat line—it was the impact on every possession. When Gobert is playing like that, he’s one of the most influential players in the league.

Timberwolves’ Cold Shooting… and Still Winning?

The stat that jumps off the page: 7-for-47 from deep. That’s not just cold—it’s freezing. But the Timberwolves didn’t let it shake their confidence. Instead, they leaned into defense and physicality.

Anthony Edwards, who had been red-hot in previous games, couldn’t buy a three. Still, he didn’t let it affect his hustle, pulling down 11 boards and dishing out 5 assists. That’s the sign of a maturing star—contributing even when the shot isn’t falling.

Lakers’ Fourth Quarter Woes

This wasn’t the first time in the series that the Lakers crumbled late. In Game 4, they blew a six-point lead with under three minutes to go. And in Game 5? More of the same. The offense stalled, the ball stopped moving, and the Wolves pounced.

Despite Dončić’s 28 and LeBron’s 22, LA’s supporting cast went quiet when it mattered. No one stepped up to hit that timely shot or make that hustle play. It was clear that Minnesota simply wanted it more.

No Answers in the Paint

The Lakers’ decision to run a small-ball lineup all series long hurt them badly. Without a traditional center to bang with Gobert, they got bullied on the boards. The rebounding differential was huge—54 to 37—and it led to extra possessions for Minnesota that LA simply couldn’t afford.

This series might have looked different if the Lakers had someone to match Gobert’s physicality, but that’s just not how the roster was built.

What Went Wrong for the Lakers?

1. Lack of interior presence – No one could slow down Gobert.
2. Inconsistent bench production – The Lakers needed more depth.
3. Too reliant on LeBron and Luka – Role players didn’t rise.
4. Turnovers in key stretches – Unforced errors were brutal.
5. No momentum late in games – They kept falling flat in the fourth.

Wolves Are Built to Compete

This Timberwolves team isn’t a fluke. They’ve got size, experience, young talent, and now, postseason poise. Mike Conley’s leadership, Randle’s fire, Gobert’s defense, and Edwards’ explosiveness form a well-balanced core.

They might not be flashy, but they’re gritty—and that plays in the postseason.

What’s Next?

With the first round wrapped up, Minnesota now waits to see who they’ll face in the next round. They’ll be heading into that matchup with plenty of confidence—and for good reason.

If Gobert keeps playing like this, and Edwards finds his rhythm again from deep, the Timberwolves could be a legitimate threat in the West.

As for the Lakers? It’s back to the drawing board. The LeBron-Luka pairing looked promising at times, but it’s clear this roster needs reworking. Do they run it back? Make trades? Add a big? The offseason will be filled with questions.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a playoff win for the Timberwolves—it was a coming-of-age moment. They didn’t just beat the Lakers. They outworked them, out-toughed them, and outplayed them when it mattered most.

And they did it without hot shooting, which says everything you need to know about their potential moving forward.

LA, on the other hand, leaves the playoffs with regrets. Missed shots, missed opportunities, and missed chances in the biggest moments.

For now, Minnesota celebrates. And based on what we saw in Game 5, they might not be done celebrating any time soon.