Minnesota took Game 1 in blowout fashion, 117-95, even with Luka Dončić putting up 37 points. Game 2 was a different story as the Lakers put forth a much better defensive effort and tied things up at 1-1 with a 94-85 victory on Tuesday night.

In Game 3 of the Lakers' 116-104 loss to the Timberwolves in their opening-round Western Conference playoff series, it became clear--as if it were not already--that this series is lined up to be a grind for whomever wins.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have better size, depth, defense and chemistry than the Los Angeles Lakers and lead the first-round series 2-1.