By Frank I. Alapa | IDNN Sports Desk

The Minnesota Timberwolves produced a strong finish to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 116-104 on Friday night, taking a 2-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Jaden McDaniels scored a career playoff-high 30 points while Anthony Edwards added 29, powering the Timberwolves to victory with a dominant 13-1 closing run.

Despite LeBron James delivering a vintage 38-point performance — setting a new record for most points in a playoff game by a player over 40 — the Lakers faltered late. James added 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, drilling three critical three-pointers to keep Los Angeles in contention.

The Timberwolves, however, responded with cold-blooded execution. Edwards’ clutch three-pointer broke a 103-103 tie with under five minutes remaining, sparking a decisive run capped by Naz Reid and McDaniels to close out the game.

The Timberwolves now host Game 4 on Sunday with a chance to push the Lakers to the brink of elimination.

James Fights, Timberwolves Finish

Playing through adversity, including Luka Doncic’s visible illness — which Lakers coach JJ Redick said had Doncic “throwing up all day” — the Lakers stayed close but lacked the finishing power.

Edwards’ drive and block on Rui Hachimura proved pivotal in the dying minutes, energizing the Timberwolves and silencing the visiting Lakers faithful.

Despite James’ historic efforts, the Lakers now face a crucial Game 4 on the road.

Magic, Bucks Fight Back to Stay Alive

The Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks each clawed back in their first-round series, avoiding disastrous 3-0 deficits with important Game 3 victories.

In Orlando, Germany’s Franz Wagner starred with 32 points and eight assists, leading the Magic to a tense 95-93 win over the defending champion Boston Celtics.

Paolo Banchero added 29 points and six rebounds as Orlando survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback by Boston, which saw Jayson Tatum (36 points) and Derrick White (15 points) keep the Celtics within striking distance.

Banchero and Wagner stepped up late, making clutch shots while Boston struggled with 21 turnovers and just 9-of-27 shooting from beyond the arc.

“It was just a great team effort,” Banchero said. “We wanted this win badly, and we’re ready to tie the series.”

Bucks Level Series with Explosive Third Quarter

In Milwaukee, the Bucks roared back from a halftime deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 117-101.

Gary Trent Jr. exploded for 37 points, hitting nine three-pointers to tie Ray Allen’s franchise playoff record. Giannis Antetokounmpo matched Trent with 37 points of his own, leading the Bucks to outscore the Pacers 39-18 in a third-quarter blitz.

Pascal Siakam paced Indiana with 28 points while Tyrese Haliburton added 14 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough against Milwaukee’s second-half surge.

Both the Bucks and Magic will now aim to even their respective series at 2-2 on Sunday.