The Los Angeles Lakers dropped Game 1 of their first-round playoff matchup at home, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 95-117.

Luka Doncic led the way for L.A. with 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a sharp-shooting and physical Minnesota squad.

After the game, Doncic pointed to the Timberwolves’ physicality and their success from beyond the arc as key factors in the loss.

Player of the Game
	EFF 35
Jaden McDaniels
Points	25
Accuracy	11-13
Rebounds	9
Assists	2

"I think it was physical," Luka said postgame. "You know, they were hitting a lot of threes. We've got to limit their threes, especially the lasers, and we weren’t physical. They were running, they were getting anything they wanted, and we’ve got to be better."

Doncic stressed the importance of sustaining intensity for the full 48 minutes, especially in the postseason when every possession counts.

"I think in the fourth quarter, we played the way we play. I think we were playing physical, everybody was locked in, and then we kind of let go of the rope, you know? So, we’ve got to be way more physical. It's 48 minutes, and every possession matters," he emphasized.

While his scoring was efficient, Doncic was self-critical about his playmaking, finishing with just one assist.

Despite the blowout loss, Luka praised the home crowd for their support throughout the night.

"It was a great atmosphere," he said. "You know, sorry we couldn’t get the first win, but it’s always first to four. It’s been amazing. The crowd was amazing. They were sticking with us when we were down."