The Lakers faced elimination on Wednesday night, but they weren’t able to extend the series, falling to Minnesota 103-96.
The first half, specifically, didn’t go Los Angeles’ way. Not only were the Lakers down 10 points to the Timberwolves at halftime, but star Luka Doncic also left the game with a minute to go in the second quarter with an injury. Doncic played 20 minutes in the first two quarters after his 46 minutes on Sunday as Los Angeles faces a 3-1 series deficit.
Doncic, of course, missed 32 games this season with injuries, making his 50 games played the fewest in his NBA career so far. After making his Lakers debut in early February, Doncic missed just three games the rest of the way for Los Angeles.
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Here’s the latest on Doncic’s injury against Minnesota.
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Luka Doncic injury update
Late in the second quarter, Doncic landed awkwardly while driving to the basket as he was fouled by Donte DiVincenzo. While going to the ground, Doncic grabbed his back and was in some clear pain.
The Lakers star stayed in the game briefly to attempt free throws before leaving the game and heading to the locker room early.
Luka went back to the locker room after this hard foul.
Hope he’s okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/jS7qewOTZj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2025
Doncic returned to the game in the second half despite being in discomfort. He has played at least 40 minutes in each game so far in these playoffs, topping out at 46 minutes on Sunday in Game 4.
Doncic played the majority of the second half, ending the game having been on the court for 39 minutes.
Luka Doncic stats
In the first half, Doncic got the majority of his points on free throw attempts, but he struggled from the field. When he returned in the second half, the Lakers star gave Minnesota a run but ultimately fell short.
Here’s how Doncic fared in Game 5 against the Timberwolves:
- Minutes: 39
- Points: 28
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 9
- FGM/FGA: 7/18
- 3PM/3PA: 2/8
- FTM/FTA: 12/15
