Los Angeles Lakers Report Card: Game 7 vs Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 29: Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Kyle Kuzma #0 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of the game on October 29, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 124-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

Defensive Team Grades

Defensive Grade: F

Scoring Defense: F

When you give up over 120 points, even in today’s NBA with superspeed offenses, you are going to have a tough time winning games. This was the fourth time a team has scored at least 124 points against the Lakers this season. Their 3-point defense was atrocious, as Minnesota knocked down 48.3 percent of their attempts from deep.

Blocking/Stealing: A-

If there were any positives to the Lakers’ defensive performance it was in their defensive stats. They were pretty active in the passing lanes, coming away with eight steals. Lance Stephenson led the way with three. Their activity around the rim was encouraging with eight blocks. All eight were compiled by Ingram, JaVale McGee and James. Ingram and McGee each had three.

Rebounding: F

The Lakers efforts on the defensive glass were not where they needed to be. The Timberwolves were afforded way too many second-chance opportunities, as they pulled down 20 offensive rebounds in the game. Karl-Anthony Towns had nine by himself, as he had his best game of the 2018-19 season. Taj Gibson had five, as the Lakers rebounding struggles continued.

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Fouling: F

The Lakers faced a huge discrepancy at the foul line. The Timberwolves attempted 30 free throws in the game, making 26. That was essentially the difference in the game, as the Lakers had only 15 attempts and 10 makes. 24 fouls were called against Los Angeles, as Lonzo Ball was the only player who received at least 10 minutes without multiple fouls.

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