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The Los Angeles Lakers took a heavy beating in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Luka Doncic dropping 37 points, L.A. simply couldn’t match Minnesota’s physicality and hot scoring.
Ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday, the same concerns hound the Purple and Gold. After all, they haven’t really shown that they have an answer to the challenges the Timberwolves pose.
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Interestingly, former WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike offered a solution for L.A. to help them compete against Minnesota.
According to Ogwumike, the one thing that the Lakers should prioritize against the Timberwolves is stopping their 3-pointers. The two-time WNBA All-Star detailed how JJ Redick’s men gave Minnesota plenty of “wide open, easy 3s” in Game 1, which allowed the team to dominate offensively.
The Timberwolves finished the game with a playoff franchise record of 21 triples out of 52 attempts.
“The Lakers have to defend the 3-point line,” Ogwumike emphasized before showing the tape of L.A.’s defensive failures and what they need to do. She added, “The number one thing is to take away the 3-point shot.”
Sure enough, taking away Minnesota’s 3-point shooting is easier said than done. The Timberwolves finished the regular season with the fourth-best shooting clip from distance at 37.7 percent. Furthermore, they are both in the top five in 3-pointers made and attempted—highlighting that it’s part of their identity.
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It remains to be seen how the Lakers are going to adjust defensively to limit the Timberwolves’ shooting. Besides, they also have to prevent them from dominating inside the paint.
Chiney Ogwumike poses for a photo with former United States official Condoleezza Rice.D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Sure enough, though, if L.A. cannot find a way to slow down Minnesota, the rest of the series could very well end quickly.
Related: ESPN Analyst Reveals Telling JJ Redick Observation Before NBA Playoffs
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