Timberwolves Eliminate Lakers, Advance in Playoffs

The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers from the NBA playoffs with a 103-96 victory in Game 5, clinching the first-round series 4-1. Rudy Gobert led the Timberwolves with a playoff career-high 27 points and 24 rebounds, dominating both ends of the court and exploiting the Lakers' small-ball lineup. Despite shooting just 7-for-47 from three-point range, Minnesota controlled the paint, outrebounding Los Angeles 54-37 and sealing the game with a late three-pointer from Mike Conley. Julius Randle contributed 23 points while Anthony Edwards added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. LeBron James scored 22 points for the Lakers, who exited in the first round for the second straight year despite a major midseason trade for Luka Doncic. The Timberwolves now advance to face the winner of the Golden State Warriors–Houston Rockets series in the Western Conference semifinals.