The Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to Round 2 of the NBA playoffs courtesy of a 103-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 on Wednesday in L.A.
Four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert had the best playoff performance of his career, tallying 27 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks. He is the first player in NBA history to record at least 25 points and 20 rebounds while shooting 80% from the field in a series-clinching victory.
Minnesota struggled mightily from deep, knocking down just 7-of-47 of its 3-point attempts. The poor shooting included a stretch of 18 consecutive 3-point misses. However, 18 offensive boards – including nine from Gobert – buoyed the T-Wolves’ offense.