The outside world is generally optimistic that the Lakers stimulate the Timberwolves motivation to counterattack. Finch: Huazi always wants to slap the questioners in the face

In Game 5 of the first round of playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to eliminate the Los Angeles Lakers. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said his team has been playing with extra power under star guard Anthony Edwards.

Edwards hinted at the source of this motivation after the Timberwolves won their first game. After three games, the Timberwolves, the No. 6 seed, led by a 3-1 score. In the fourth game, which won 116-113, Edwards, who likes to swear and has a tough game, scored 43 points. Finch said Edwards’ performance in the series — and many of his highlights — was no longer surprising.

"I've been with him for a long time and know that doubting him is not a good strategy," Finch said. "He always wants to prove you wrong, so sometimes he solves problems faster than you expected. He can seize the opportunity."

The third-seeded Lakers, led by Luca Doncic and LeBron James, was originally a favorite in this series and a team that was highly anticipated to compete for the championship.

"We know what everyone is talking about, and our team is in the best form when playing with a spirit of not giving in," Finch said. "So we have to give in to that spirit of not giving in." Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley agrees.

"Our motivation comes from doubts about us," he said. "As Anthony (Edwards) said, no one is optimistic that we can win this series, and no one thinks we can make a difference in the playoffs. So when we play tomorrow, that's all in our minds."

Conley also praised Edwards' growth as a leader this season. Two days after the Timberwolves finished the regular season with a win and defeated the Utah Jazz, Conley said Edwards, 23, stopped training and began urging his teammates to play harder and more targetedly if they want to beat the Lakers.

"It is very important to have such leadership at his age, to be aware of and say such things," Conley said. "I think it provides a great motivation for us to start our playoff journey."