For the second straight game, the Los Angeles Lakers blew an opportunity in crunch time to win and take control of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This time, it happened in Game 4 after they built a double-digit lead in the third quarter.
However, there was one miscue or play that may not have been their fault.
With just over 30 seconds left, Luka Doncic advanced the ball upcourt after two free throws by Jaden McDaniels gave Minnesota a 114-113 lead. It appeared McDaniels tripped Doncic, and Doncic stepped on McDaniels’ foot and lost his balance. The Lakers had to call their final timeout as a result in order to avoid a turnover or an eight-second backcourt violation.
After the Lakers fell by a final score of 116-113, head coach JJ Redick made it clear that he felt a foul should’ve been called on McDaniels.
To make matters worse, following that timeout, LeBron James’ inbounds pass was tipped away by McDaniels, resulting in a turnover. Edwards drove to the basket and appeared to lose the ball out of bounds near the baseline, but Minnesota challenged the call. It was overturned, and instead, James was called for a foul for making contact with Edwards’ wrist when the superstar guard lost the ball.
As a result, the Lakers trail this series three games to one and will be facing elimination in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.