Over the first two games, the Minnesota Timberwolves found ways to puncture the Los Angeles Lakers. With the series tied 1-1, there was one big problem for the Wolves: Luka Doncic. The Slovenian controlled the tempo in both games as he averaged 34 points through the first two meetings. But on Friday, the chips started falling in favor of Minnesota. Ahead of Game 3, it was reported that Doncic was dealing with a stomach bug, and their opponents pounced big time, bringing their best display to the fore and a lot of physicality.

There was no hiding place for the Lakers as Minnesota made the most of the lack of a big man in the center for JJ Redick’s team. Donic was their prime target as the Lakers guard only scored 8 points by halftime, shooting an abysmal 3 for 9 from the field. Increasing the ball pressure and forcing him to pass has been one of the strategies for Minnesota. But one play showed the Timberwolves’ ruthlessness.

In the second quarter, Doncic was met with a hard foul from Naz Reid as he drove to the cup in the second quarter. The replay made it obvious—there was clear contact to the head, and Luka Doncic felt every bit of it. But renowned commentator Doris Burke dismissed it. “I don’t see anything there, Mike,” she told play-by-play announcer Mike Breen. The officials, however, saw it differently.

They reviewed the contact and ultimately rewarded Doncic with two free throws, acknowledging the foul that Burke didn’t acknowledge. However, the referees also came under the pump, with increased physicality over the last two games. The Timberwolves even carry a grudge against Doncic for preventing them from an NBA Finals opportunity last season.

Doncic managed 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists but struggled with his shooting and committed five turnovers as the Lakers fell to a 104-116 defeat, giving the Wolves a 2-1 lead in the series. Jaden McDaniels played a pivotal role in limiting Dončić’s effectiveness, showcasing defensive versatility that disrupted the Lakers’ offensive flow.

The Timberwolves’ physicality extended beyond Dončić, as they dominated the paint with a 30-point advantage over the Lakers. This aggressive approach contributed to the Lakers’ 16 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 28 points. Without a strong rim protector or consistent inside presence, the Lakers struggled to contain Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combined for 35 points and 22 rebounds.

Before the series, the question was how the Lakers would cope with the Wolves’ size, and while they looked alright for the first two games, this was a serious reminder that they miss a reliable center.

Maybe it will continue to be the theme of the series or just the playoffs. Fewer stoppages allow for an up-and-down game of basketball. However, Laker Nation is livid with the way the game has treated their star guard so far.

Fans can’t stand Doris Burke

Lakers fans took exception to the manner in which the game has been called for Doncic so far. Although the Lakers shared the first two games, Doncic was a clear standout, seeming unfazed by the Wolves’ defense. But Wolves got under their skin in Game 3. Moreover, Burke’s comments added more fury to the fans’ sentiments.

“Luka clearly hit on the head and Doris Burke says “I don’t see nothing” she’s the worst commentator ever lmao,” one fan wrote against the highly experienced commentator. The contact on the play was evident. But such moments can be subjective. Burke probably felt Reid didn’t intentionally look for the foul.

Nonetheless, to the majority, it seemed like she tried to undersell what happened with Luka Doncic. Some fans even made a request to the NBA. “I can’t listen to a Lakers game with Doris Burke calling it I’m sorry,” one comment read.

As bad as the foul was, it’s also important to understand how the playoffs have been this season. Defenses have been allowed to play physical basketball to a greater extent in comparison to the regular season. So, the calls Doncic often gets will be unlikely to get called now, especially playing against a hostile crowd that will be ready to pounce on the refs every time they blow the whistle for Luka.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was caught on the sidelines in Game 2 voicing his intentions loud and clear with the officiating, telling his young squad, “Don’t worry, they’re not going to call anything,”—a clear reference to the challenges of guarding Stephen Curry. The subtext was loud and clear. And perhaps, that same message was subtly echoed by Chris Finch to the Timberwolves when it came to Luka Doncic. After all, guarding generational scorers requires more than just schemes—it demands psychological readiness when the calls don’t go your way.

But a bad decision from the officials is something the viewers could understand. They just couldn’t make sense of Burke’s admission after watching a slowed-down review of the same play. “Whoever put Doris Burke on this Lakers-Timberwolves game needs to be fired,” an angered fan said about her commentary.

One fan even posted her reaction on X. “Oh shut the hell up you stupid b****h,” she could be heard saying. However, the fan did apologize for her language as she watched on with a glass of red wine.

Many more such reactions kept pouring in. But the solution isn’t to dismiss Burke. She is part of the top commentating team for ESPN. She has covered the NBA Finals from the hardwood since 2009. Last year, she even became the first woman to serve as an analyst for the finals of the top four leagues.

Just like players or referees, announcers can make mistakes at times. But in terms of her ability, Doris Burke is among the elite.