The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heavy defeat in their playoff opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 117-95. The loss has cast doubt on the Lakers’ championship aspirations, with their hopes now hinging on a strong performance in Game 2. The team was overwhelmed from the start and failed to recover, leaving them with significant work to do ahead of the next game.
Lakers Use Two Rest Days to Recover and Refocus Ahead of Crucial Game 2
Fortunately for the Lakers, they were granted two full days of rest before Game 2, which provided an opportunity to regroup and reassess their approach. These days off allowed the team to focus on rest and recovery, as well as addressing the issues that led to their dismal performance in Game 1. The team used this time to prepare for a crucial Game 2 at Crypto.com Arena, where they must avoid falling further behind in the series.
Lakers Regroup After Game 1 Blowout, Eye Redemption with Renewed Focus in Must-Win Game 2Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a positive outlook following Monday’s practice, describing it as “the best practice we’ve had in months.” This upbeat sentiment came after the team had experienced a subpar performance during their five days off between the regular season finale and Game 1.
Redick admitted that they might not have done enough work during that time, which could have contributed to their sluggishness in the opening game. The Lakers’ failure to prepare effectively in the lead-up to Game 1 was a key point of reflection.
Lakers Focus on Improving Offensive Execution and Defensive Rebounding for Game 2
During Monday’s practice, the Lakers worked on their offensive struggles, a major factor in their Game 1 loss. They shot only 39.8% from the field, struggled to generate fast-break points, and finished with just 15 assists. The lack of offensive execution was evident, and Redick emphasized the need for better organization. He explained that offensive organization isn’t just about the point guard calling plays but also involves proper spacing, screening, and filling the right spots after makes and misses.
While the Lakers’ defense started off strong, their performance deteriorated throughout the game. They allowed the Timberwolves to secure 11 offensive rebounds and score 23 second-chance points.
This lack of control on the boards allowed Minnesota to shoot an impressive 21-of-42 from beyond the arc. While the Lakers are expected to perform better in Game 2, it remains uncertain how much improvement is necessary to level the series. Their ability to fix both their offensive and defensive issues will be critical to their success moving forward.