Timberwolves Eliminate Lakers as Rudy Gobert Shines with Career-High Performance

Rudy Gobert delivered a career playoff performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 24 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 103-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, clinching their first-round playoff series in five games. Gobert's dominance in the paint, including a Timberwolves postseason record in rebounds, proved decisive as the Lakers struggled to contain him, especially with their reluctance to use backup center Jaxson Hayes. Despite offensive struggles from Minnesota's star Anthony Edwards, Gobert's efficiency and relentless rebounding gave the Timberwolves a significant edge. The Lakers' defensive focus on Minnesota's perimeter threats left them vulnerable inside, allowing Gobert to shoot 80 percent from the field and control the boards. Fans and analysts noted the Lakers' failure to adjust defensively, which contributed to their elimination. The Timberwolves now advance to the Western Conference semifinals, marking consecutive seasons advancing past the first round after a long drought.