On the first play of the game, Luka Doncic hunted a mismatch on Rudy Gobert and got a foul as he drove to the hoop. This set the tone for a 15-7 Lakers lead in the opening minutes, as the Wolves looked unfocused to start. They committed four turnovers (Julius Randle had two) and allowed three offensive rebounds that the Lakers converted into eight points.

Doncic had nine points during that early run. He would finish the first quarter with 16 points as the Lakers led 28-21.

The Wolves got five early points from Jaden McDaniels, who hit his first corner three of the night, while Anthony Edwards got downhill for six points at the rim. He didn’t attempt a three in the quarter. James finished the quarter scoreless on only two shot attempts.