When the dust has settled, JJ Redick and the Lakers may finally realize their shocking Game 1 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was exactly what they needed to get them playing championship basketball.
The true test of character for players and teams is how do you react when you get punched in the face in the playoffs and dominated by a team you were projected to easily defeat in the first round in 5 or 6 games at most? The Timberwolves dominated the Lakers the same way L.A. dominated OKC. Just like the Thunder could not stop the Lakers’ barrage of threes, the Lakers were helpless as the Timberwolves rained threes upon them.
Ironically, after losing Game 1 of their 2020 first round playoff series vs. the Trailblazers, the Lakers bounced back with 4-straight wins to beat Portland 4–1 in a gentlemen’s sweep on their way to their 17th NBA championship. That’s exactly how the Lakers should respond to the Timberwolves Game 1 of this year’s first round series. They need to slap the insurgent Wolves hard and put them back in their proper place with 4 straight blowout wins.
Right now, the Lakers are the NBA’s version of a an old joke with a stale punch line. The Wolves were so dominant that they now have become the betting favorites to defeat the Lakers in their first round playoff series.
The Lakers were the only home playoff team to lose home court advantage on opening night. If they lose tonight, they would have to win 4 out of the next 5 games with 3 of them being in Minnesota. Lakers must win tonight.
We find out tonight if JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers are for real. Two games into the playoffs and Lakers face a legitimate ‘Must Win’ game. That’s what parity and the changing of the guard have done to the NBA.