Minnesota came out swinging in Game 1, and the Lakers had no answer. Matt Barnes and Rachel Nichols reacted to the Timberwolves’ statement win on the latest episode of All The Smoke Unplugged.
The Minnesota Timberwolves walked into Crypto.com Arena and blew out the Los Angeles Lakers by 22 in Game 1. Barnes told Nichols that he was surprised at the outcome of Game 1 — not by the Timberwolves’ win, but rather by how they achieved it. He noted that while you can’t count on the Timberwolves to shoot 50% from behind the arc every night, the Lakers getting outscored 25–6 in fast break points was a sign of their age. Barnes said that typically the playoffs are slower, but if you can get 25 fastbreak points, you are doing something right. Nichols pointed out that Luka Dončić is just 26 years old, to which Barnes jokingly replied he is not known for his lateral speed or lockdown defensive presence.
Nichols also emphasized that the Lakers are most vulnerable when someone can drive through the lane because they lack interior presence in the paint. She was particularly impressed with Anthony Edwards and his level of discipline, highlighting how in last year’s playoffs, he had a great run early but did not make the best decisions late in games. Edwards approached Game 1 differently, making smart decisions all night. Nichols noted that the Lakers’ strategy since trading for Dončić has been to pack the paint and leave shooters open, assuming they can’t hit every shot. Unfortunately for L.A., the Timberwolves just hit seemingly every shot in Game 1.
Barnes also took note of LeBron James’ lack of aggression out of the gate in Game 1, which led Nichols to wonder if James may still be battling a groin injury that previously caused him to miss time. Nichols is unsure whether the injury is affecting James’ mobility or if he is struggling mentally, not wanting to risk re-injuring it. She also emphasized that James is in a new role; he’s no longer the go-to guy in the fourth quarter now that Dončić is wearing purple and gold. Not being the primary option late is a position James has not been in for arguably his entire career.
“I was surprised in the fashion which they won… It opened my eyes.”
Ant-Man & the T’Wolves had the entire Lakers blueprint in Game 1 🫣 pic.twitter.com/PvqSQOE9gP
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) April 22, 2025
Barnes believes we will see a different version of King James in Game 2 and that he, along with JJ Redick and the coaching staff, will figure things out. Nichols still feels strongly that the Lakers will be victorious in the series due to their gaudy offensive scoring production, and she also highlighted that she does not believe anyone on the Timberwolves can guard Dončić. Barnes agreed with Nichols that the Lakers will be triumphant in this series, albeit in six or seven games, not five, and it will be interesting to see if the Lakers can contain Rudy Gobert, who was active on the perimeter and in the paint.
The Timberwolves are back for Game 2 tonight in Los Angeles, where they are a 6-point underdog at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Watch or listen to the full episode below and keep an eye on DraftKings Network for new episodes of All The Smoke Unplugged every Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET!
SHOW BREAKDOWN
NBA PLAYOFFS RECAP: Lakers Get SMACKED, Steph Nukes Rockets & Award Season REVAMP?
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