LeBron James continued his return to full fitness with a game-high 38 points but was unable to prevent the Los Angeles Lakers losing 116-104 at the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jaden McDaniels scored 30 points and Anthony Edwards 29 as the Timberwolves finished strongly to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference first round.
The hosts went on a 13-1 run over the final four minutes 37 seconds after the score was tied by the Lakers’ Luka Doncic, who registered 17 points despite playing with a stomach illness.
James had 13-for-21 shooting, including three three-pointers in a four-possession span during the fourth quarter.
“He was shooting it from Yucatan,” said Edwards. “He was shooting it crazy.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick added: “He’s moving better. It seems like he’s getting healthier by the day.”
Minnesota are again at home on Sunday, as are the Milwaukee Bucks after winning 117-101 over the visiting Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference.
Indiana led by 12 early in the third quarter but Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr each scored 37 points as the Bucks fought back to cut their series deficit to 2-1.
Trent Jr started in place of Taurean Prince and restricted Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to 14 points while tying a franchise play-off record with nine three-pointers.
