The NBA playoffs rarely go as predicted, and in 2025, they delivered yet another twist that has blown the minds of many. The storm that was brewing in Minnesota hit the Los Angeles Lakers, who had the majority of fans’ and analysts’ high hopes pinned on them. The Timberwolves, long dismissed as postseason underachievers, suddenly became the talk of the basketball fraternity after the league’s latest shift in power. The sound of growing confidence and sharp comebacks changing the echoes of past playoff disappointments, but they have shown LA that the Wolves are not done yet! However, this could take the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves rivalry to the next level.

Before the series started, L.A. displayed plenty of confidence. Finishing No. 3 and having the fourth-best championship odds per ESPN BET, the Lakers were generally expected to go on and destroy their opponents, particularly over the sixth-seeded Timberwolves. Names like LeBron James and Luka Doncic were meant to crush the underdogs. A simple “Lakers in 5” result was forecasted even among mainstream commentators like Shannon Sharpe. But the Timberwolves were only biding their time amid all the bright lights and audacious statements and showed the fans what sports are really about.

Led by none other than Anthony Edwards, what followed was a deliberate demolition of that story. Averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and more than 6 assists per game, the 22-year-old prodigy not only ruled but also laid up a takedown. By Game 5, Minnesota had sent the Lakers packing with a 4-1 series victory and the score being 103-96, leaving commentators and fans both desperate for explanations. Franchise veteran Kevin Garnett, who couldn’t resist one more assist – this time off the court – watched from the sidelines with a smile and a long memory.

“Dammnnn … Where’s alllll the Lakers in 5 ENERGY AT … Damn … Hello… Cmon man.. same energy… RESPECT YOUR OPPONENT,” In a passionate Instagram story, Garnett criticized Lakers supporters who had swiftly ignored the potential of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Kevin Garnett’s message was about respect, not only the scoreboard. And the veteran, who fought the Lakers in two NBA Finals and several playoff battles, made sure his argument struck home with force.

Anthony Edwards doubles down on post-series trolls after Timberwolves humble Lakers 4-1

While Garnett’s Instagram story fueled the fire, it was Anthony Edwards who fanned the embers into a full-blown inferno. The Timberwolves star didn’t hesitate to take repeated digs at those who doubted his team, including Sharpe and others from Lakers Nation. “What makes it feel even better is that they said Lakers in five but the Wolves won in five games, so I think that makes it feel 10 times better,” Edwards said, smirking during his post-game presser.

He didn’t stop there, as it was just the beginning. With cameras rolling and fans all around him, he mocked, “Antman, Batman, Superman, Lakers in 5,” as he walked through Crypto.com Arena, soaking in every ounce of poetic justice after his team humbled the Lakers. And with another jab on the way out, he said, “When we was up 3-1, they said ‘Lakers in seven…’ The good guys don’t die in this movie”. Anthony ensured that the narrative shift was complete and no stone was left unturned.

What started as a usual first-round playoff matchup turned into a full-blown cultural conflict pitting young swagger against old-school history. The Timberwolves now await the outcome of the Warriors and Rockets, as they will soon determine their next opponent. Either way, Minnesota has shown they are contenders with a statement, not merely playoff visitors.

And if this series revealed anything, it is that in the NBA, the loudest predictions do not always reflect the reality on the court. Occasionally, the underdogs create the dominant narrative, as the fans just witnessed.