LeBron James scored 21 factors and Austin Reaves added 16 for the third-seeded Lakers, who rebounded from their blowout loss in Recreation 1 by leaping out to an early 22-point lead and hanging on via a bodily matchup with sixth-seeded Minnesota.
Julius Randle scored 27 factors and Anthony Edwards had 25 for the Timberwolves, who misplaced most of their offensive fluidity from their spectacular series-opening win.
James added 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the Lakers, who by no means misplaced management of a chippy, uneven sport with 46 mixed private fouls and a number of video opinions. James and Rui Hachimura each took onerous photographs to the face, and Hachimura performed the second half in a masks.
Recreation 3 is Friday evening in Minneapolis.
The Wolves hit a franchise-record 21 3-pointers whereas blowing out the Lakers 117-95 in Recreation 1 regardless of 37 factors by Doncic. Los Angeles responded with extra engaged protection and one other massive sport from Doncic, whereas the Wolves could not recapture their offensive fluidity till the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles took a 19-point lead within the first quarter of Recreation 2 with 16 factors by Doncic, who exploited isolations on heart Rudy Gobert. James’ first 3-pointer put the Lakers up 43-21 within the second quarter.
Los Angeles led 83-65 within the opening minute of the fourth, however Minnesota closed its hole to 9 factors whereas the Lakers went seven minutes between discipline targets. The Wolves nonetheless could not muster sufficient offense nearer.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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