LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers delivered another statement performance Tuesday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 120–106 at Crypto.com Arena to continue their surge up the Western Conference standings.
Behind 31 points from both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the Lakers used a dominant third quarter and suffocating defense to pull away from one of the top teams in the conference. The victory improved Los Angeles to 40–25 on the season and moved them into fourth place in the Western Conference standings, leapfrogging Minnesota.
The win also came without LeBron James, who missed the game due to injury. In his absence, the Lakers relied heavily on Dončić and Reaves to control the pace offensively while maintaining defensive pressure throughout the night.
The game opened as a defensive struggle for both teams. Los Angeles did not score until the 7:25 mark of the first quarter and shot just 7-for-25 from the field while missing all 11 of its three-point attempts in the period. Minnesota struggled as well, shooting only 6-for-20 from the field as both teams searched for offensive rhythm.
Despite the shooting woes, Dončić contributed in other ways early, collecting rebounds, assists, and key defensive stops to keep the Lakers within reach. By the end of the first quarter, the Timberwolves held a narrow 21–16 lead.
The second quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Both teams gradually found more offensive flow, trading baskets and defensive stops throughout the period. The Lakers received balanced contributions across the roster, allowing them to erase Minnesota’s early advantage.
By halftime, neither team had been able to create separation, and the game headed into the break tied at 45–45.
Everything changed after halftime.
The Lakers came out of the locker room with renewed energy and intensity, immediately seizing control of the game. Los Angeles opened the third quarter with a 12–5 run while holding Minnesota scoreless for more than six minutes. During that stretch, the Lakers’ defense forced difficult shots and turnovers while their offense began to flow through Dončić and Reaves.
Reaves was particularly aggressive attacking the basket, repeatedly getting into the paint and knocking down key perimeter shots. His combination of drives and timely three-pointers helped ignite the Lakers’ offense during the quarter.
Dončić controlled the pace of the game throughout the surge, orchestrating the offense while continuing to score efficiently. His ability to create for teammates and dominate the glass helped the Lakers extend their lead.
By the time the quarter ended, Los Angeles had exploded for 39 points while holding Minnesota to just 20. The Lakers entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 84–68 advantage after one of their most complete quarters of the season.
Minnesota attempted to respond in the final period, but the Lakers never allowed the momentum to fully shift. Reaves continued to lead the offense, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in one of his most impactful performances of the season.
Dončić delivered a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, once again demonstrating his ability to control every aspect of the game.
The Lakers’ defensive effort was equally impressive. Minnesota star Anthony Edwards was held to just 14 points on 2-for-15 shooting, as Los Angeles consistently forced contested attempts and limited the Timberwolves’ offensive rhythm.
Los Angeles also took care of the basketball throughout the night, committing only seven turnovers while maintaining steady offensive execution after their third-quarter breakout.
With the victory, the Lakers have now won six of their last seven games and continue to build momentum during a crucial stretch of the season. Recent wins over the New York Knicks and Timberwolves — both top contenders in their respective conferences — have helped shift the narrative surrounding the team’s ability to compete with elite opponents.
If the past week is any indication, the Lakers may be starting to find their identity at the perfect time.
Los Angeles will look to continue that momentum Thursday night when they host the Chicago Bulls.
Notable Stats of the Game
Luka Dončić: 31 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists
Austin Reaves: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists
Anthony Edwards: 14 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists
Upcoming Game for the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers (40-25) vs Chicago Bulls (27-38)
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Location: Crypto.com Arena • Los Angeles, CA.
Tip-Off: 7:30PM PST/ 10:30PM EST
