Luka Doncic In Pain, LA Lakers Confused

MINNESOTA, SATURDAY — Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic played through a stomach bug in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Instead of producing a Michael Jordan-esque “flu game” heroics, Doncic disappeared in the deciding moments.

The Lakers had to concede game three after losing to the host Timberwolves 104-116 at the Target Center on Saturday (26/4/2025) morning WIB. The main reason for the defeat was Doncic's failure to deliver his best performance, as he did in the first two games.

Doncic, playing 41 minutes, produced 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Those numbers are not bad at all, but they are less than optimal for a superstar of Doncic's stature. Moreover, he only recorded 37.5 percent shooting accuracy (6-16) and committed five turnovers or lost the ball.

For context, Doncic is known as the Timberwolves’ defensive “bogeyman.” The Slovenian has scored at least 30 points in six of the last seven meetings against the Timberwolves in the playoffs, including Game 1 (37 points) and Game 2 (31 points) of this series.

The decline in performance occurred because Doncic was unwell. He appeared less energetic and uncomfortable throughout the game. "He has not been feeling well for the last 24 hours. He has been vomiting. I don't know if he got enough sleep," explained Lakers Head Coach J. J. Redick.

Doncic was doubtful to appear, but he insisted on playing in the continuation of the first round of the playoff series. The good intention did not end sweetly. Doncic became the biggest contributor to turnovers for the Lakers. The turnovers (19 times) were the main factor in the away team's defeat.

One of his mistakes came early in the third quarter. Doncic lost the ball while one-on-one with center Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves countered and hit a three-pointer. That basic mistake is a rare sight for the superstar.

Lakers' star forward LeBron James took over the team's burden. He was dominant with a double-double of 38 points and 10 rebounds, including hitting 5 of 9 three-pointers. However, those contributions were not enough to keep the Lakers afloat in the final five minutes.

"King James," as he is nicknamed, managed to make three consecutive three-point shots in the middle of the final quarter. The Lakers narrowed the gap to 99-100. After that, the Timberwolves' defense focused their attention on him. James failed to add any points at all for the remainder of the game.

In such moments, Doncic should have been the best option to assist James. However, he could only produce four points during that crucial time. Since James' last successful shot until the end of the game, the Lakers fell behind with a score of 5-16.

On the other hand, two Timberwolves players Anthony Edwards (29 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Jaden McDaniels (30 points) were able to show their teeth in key moments. They scored a combined 13 points of the Timberwolves' last 16 points. Thanks to that, the Timberwolves turned the series around to lead 2-1.

"I know I have to lead this team to victory. I did not play to the best of my ability in the first two matches, so I am just trying to find the best position and perform efficiently," said Edwards, who serves as both the executor and facilitator.

In addition to being less than optimal when attacking, Doncic is also a weak point in the Lakers' defense. The player nicknamed "Luka Magic" is always targeted by opposing players. In the third quarter, Edwards even easily did an explosive dunk right in front of his face.

Doncic, a five-time All-NBA selection, is expected to shine in the Lakers-Timberwolves series. The 26-year-old guard has experience eliminating the Timberwolves in the playoffs last season while still a Dallas Mavericks player. He was dominant in that series.

Interestingly, the best player so far has been McDaniels. The 24-year-old forward was the key to the team's victory in games one and three. McDaniels, who is known as a defensive specialist, looked more confident when attacking. He scored an average of twice as many points as in the regular season.

Doncic's difficulties in the previous match evoke memories of the legendary "flu game" during Game Five of the 1997 Finals. Jordan also forced himself to play under weakened conditions due to digestive issues. The difference is that Jordan became the hero of the Chicago Bulls' victory over the Utah Jazz, scoring 38 points in a dominant performance, with a final score of 90-88. (AP/REUTERS)