Podcast Title: The Athletic NBA Daily
Episode: How did the Wolves beat the Lakers?
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
Guests: Anthony Slater, Alex Spears

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni delve into the thrilling playoff action surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves' unexpected triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers. The discussion is enriched by insights from The Athletic’s award-winning reporter Anthony Slater, who provides in-depth analysis of the game’s pivotal moments, player performances, and the strategies that led to the Wolves' victory.

Recap of Game Five: Warriors vs. Rockets

[02:16] Dave DuFour opens the episode by addressing the surprising outcome of Game Five in the Warriors-Rockets series, setting the stage for an analysis of Game Six in the Bay Area. Anthony Slater draws parallels between this game and the Timberwolves-Lakers matchup, highlighting the Warriors' struggles with maintaining momentum and executing under pressure.

Anthony Slater [03:08]: “There was Steph Curry at one point… gave him his ankle braces back… it got mildly interesting for a second.”

The hosts discuss how the Warriors' decision to pull starters from the game mirrored past performances, questioning the coaching strategies that may have cost them the series.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Dominant Performance Against the Lakers

The centerpiece of the episode explores how the Timberwolves managed to secure a convincing 103-96 victory over the Lakers. Anthony Slater provides a detailed breakdown of Rudy Gobert's exceptional performance, drawing comparisons to legendary players and emphasizing his impact on both ends of the court.

Dave DuFour [17:28]: “Rudy Gobert is the first player with 25 plus points, 20 plus rebounds while shooting 75 plus percent in the playoffs. Shaquille O'Neal in game four of the 2004 finals. How close to prime Shaq is Rudy Gobert?”

Key Highlights:

• Rudy Gobert's Prowess: Gobert dominated the game with 27 points and 24 rebounds, showcasing a level of play reminiscent of Shaquille O'Neal. His ability to control the paint and secure offensive rebounds was pivotal in the Wolves' victory.

  Anthony Slater [19:13]: “Rudy Gobert did an excellent job, number one of screening off the ball… he just bricked constantly their best offense.”

• Timberwolves' Shooting Efficiency: Despite the Lakers' strong defensive efforts, the Wolves capitalized on open shots, converting high-quality opportunities that the Lakers' defense failed to disrupt.

  Dave DuFour [22:46]: “Anthony Edwards would have like 10 hockey assists in this game. He was making the right plays every single time.”

• Anthony Edwards' Playmaking: Edwards elevated his game with 28 points and nine assists, demonstrating his growth as a versatile playmaker capable of dictating the flow of the game.

  Anthony Slater [29:31]: “Anthony Edwards is doing a playmaker who can manipulate multiple levels of the defense… It’s a natural progression.”

• Poor Shooting Performance by the Lakers: The Lakers struggled immensely from beyond the arc, missing an unprecedented number of three-point attempts which significantly hindered their offensive capabilities.

  Guest 1 [19:27]: “They missed 40 of their 47 three-point attempts… It was disgusting to watch.”

Strategic Analysis and Player Performances

Defensive Strategies: The Timberwolves employed a robust defensive scheme, pressing aggressively and exploiting mismatches. Julius Randle's aggressive post play against the Lakers’ shifting defense opened up opportunities for the Wolves to dominate the interior.

Anthony Slater [21:10]: “Julius Randall is the other guy. He stepped up when they couldn't hit shots… he was taking this one on one and going every single time.”

Impact of Coaching Decisions: The discussion touches on how coaching adjustments, both offensive and defensive, contributed to the Wolves' success. The ability to adapt strategies mid-game and leverage player strengths was crucial.

Dave DuFour [25:16]: “You need to insulate that… the Lakers need to get him rim protection, you need to get him length around the perimeter. That’s exactly what the Lakers need to do this offseason.”

Future Implications and Predictions

Looking ahead, the hosts and guests speculate on potential matchups in the next round of the playoffs, particularly focusing on whether the Timberwolves will face the Warriors again or the Rockets. Anthony Slater predicts a Game Six victory for the Wolves, citing their current momentum and strategic advantages.

Anthony Slater [14:44]: “I would think they'll squeak it out at 6… I would pick them. I'm sure Vegas will favor them.”

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a celebration of the Timberwolves' impressive playoff run, highlighting the unexpected elements that led to their victory over the Lakers. The hosts commend the team's resilience and strategic execution, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the playoffs.

Dave DuFour [30:26]: “We can look at his shooting splits, and we say, wow, he did not shoot the ball well… that's the next level for him.”

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Slater [17:28]: “Rudy Gobert is the first player with 25 plus points, 20 plus rebounds while shooting 75 plus percent in the playoffs. Shaquille O'Neal in game four of the 2004 finals. How close to prime Shaq is Rudy Gobert?”

• Guest 1 [19:27]: “They missed 40 of their 47 three-point attempts… It was disgusting to watch.”

• Anthony Slater [29:31]: “Anthony Edwards is doing a playmaker who can manipulate multiple levels of the defense… It’s a natural progression.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of the Timberwolves' pivotal win against the Lakers, offering listeners valuable insights into player performances, strategic decisions, and the broader implications for the NBA playoffs. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the detailed discussion ensures that you’re well-informed about the latest developments in professional basketball.