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Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson criticized the team’s game plan for the fourth quarter as they fell behind 3-1 in their opening round playoff series against Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers coach JJ Redick was apparently inspired by the 14-0 race to start the third quarter and held lineup-lebron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith-onto the floor for the rest of the game.
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Los Angeles Laker’s main coach JJ Redick responds to his team losing the lead to Minnesota Timberwolves during the NBA endgame in Target Center in Minneapolis on April 27, 2025. (Matt Blewett-IMAGN images)
Fatigue seemed to sit late in the game. Doncic came over a stomach disease when he and James played 46 minutes each. James was held scoreless in the fourth quarter. Lakers failed to keep t’wolves in check in the fourth quarter despite having led.
Minnesota won the game, 116-113. They have the Outscored Lakers 105-69 in the fourth quarter during the series.
Johnson expressed his dismay over X.
“I don’t know if it’s smart to play LeBron and Luka the whole other half after only having a day of rest between games 3 and 4. When we needed LeBron to take over in the fourth quarter he couldn’t – he scored 0 points in the fourth,” Johnson wrote.
“I’m just sick of my stomach that Lakers lost this game after being in control most of the 2nd half.”
Magic Johnson sees Clemson Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks in the semi -finals of the NCAA Tournament at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska, March 23, 2018. (Kyle Terada-usa Today Sports)
LeBron is questioning after Lakers’ Loss to Wolves: ‘That Game Happens All Timing’
Redick explained that his set -up decision in the other was not something planned.
“I asked them at the beginning of the fourth quarter [how they were doing] And told them we had two extra timeouts, “Redick said via ESPN.” ‘If you need a sub, please tell us.’ These guys gave a lot. “
Doncic said that fatigue shouldn’t have been a factor at this time of season.
“Fatigue should not play any role in this,” Doncic added. “I played a lot of minutes, but it didn’t have to play a role. I think they just executed better on the offensive end in the last minutes.”
Los Angeles Lakers -tip LeBron James responds to a repeat confirming that he was committing Minnesota Timberwolves -vagt Anthony Edwards during the NBA end game in Target Center in Minneapolis, April 27, 2025. (Matt Blewett-IMAGN images)
Game 5 is set for Wednesday back in Los Angeles.
