In an intense matchup on Thursday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-111, handing them their fourth consecutive loss. The Lakers played without LeBron James, who sat out on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite the setback, the Timberwolves, who were also on a back-to-back, improved their record to 21-6, tying them with Boston for the best record in the NBA.
Game Highlights
Anthony Edwards was a standout for the Timberwolves, scoring 27 points to lead his team to victory. Minnesota’s head coach, Chris Finch, praised his players for their resilience, especially given the challenging schedule. “All credit to the guys for getting the win on a back-to-back. I know there might not have been a full tank for everyone, but that’s one of those games where if it goes three more minutes, we may lose it,” Finch remarked.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly with 21 points but had to leave the game due to a lower-leg injury. Finch noted that Towns had taken a “bang” but did not provide an immediate update on his condition. This occurred with just over five minutes left in the game after a lackluster third quarter for the Wolves.
Timberwolves’ Performance
Mike Conley played a crucial role, finishing the game with 16 points, eight assists, and two steals. Rudy Gobert added 15 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, helping the Timberwolves avoid consecutive losses for the first time this season. With a strong home record of 12-1, Conley emphasized the importance of their depth and size, stating, “That can be overwhelming for certain teams at certain times, and it allows us to just be unpredictable every night.”
Lakers’ Struggles
On the other hand, the Lakers faced a tough loss, falling to 1-5 since winning the NBA In-Season Tournament. Anthony Davis was the bright spot for Los Angeles, scoring 31 points and grabbing eight rebounds despite battling an ankle injury. Rui Hachimura stepped up in the starting lineup for LeBron, contributing 18 points.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham remains optimistic despite the team’s struggles. “We’ll break through this thing once we get guys back healthy and in rhythm,” he said. The Lakers now sit at 15-14 overall, with a disappointing 5-11 record on the road.
Key Takeaways
Austin Reaves provided a spark off the bench with 18 points, while Taurean Prince, a former Timberwolf, nailed all four of his three-point attempts. D’Angelo Russell, who had a rough outing in Chicago, rebounded with 17 points and eight assists against his former team, though he struggled with his shooting, finishing 7 for 19 from the floor. “We still haven’t even seen our postseason lineup that we were successful with last year,” Russell noted. “Every game feels like something new.”
Defensive Prowess
The Timberwolves are showcasing their defensive strength, currently allowing the fewest points per game in the league. Conley highlighted this crucial aspect of their game, saying, “Our defense is what we’ve got to hang our hat on.” As they continue to develop as a team, both the Timberwolves and the Lakers will look to improve their standings and overcome challenges in the weeks ahead.
