Needing a win in a bad way after three straight losses, the Minnesota Timberwolves responded with a 108-101 road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday night.
The trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook combined for 62 points but they got there by making just 22 of 51 shots, including a rough 7-of-19 from the floor for Leonard.
Minnesota had six players score in double figures, led by 20 points from Jaden McDaniels. Anthony Edwards had 18 points, Rudy Gobert had 16, Kyle Anderson and Naz Reid each finished with 12 and Taurean Prince scored 10.
The road victory was even bigger considering the teams breathing down Minnesota’s neck – the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Jazz and Thunder – all lost Tuesday night. Dallas also lost, meaning Minnesota is…
- a half-game behind Dallas for 7th place
- one game behind the Clippers and Warriors for 6th and 5th
- two games behind the Suns for 4th place
And what looked like a daunting four-game California road trip is suddenly more manageable with LeBron James out of action with an ankle injury. LeBron will not play when the Timberwolves face the Lakers on Friday night.
Minnesota forced 25 turnovers and turned those into 29 points and they dominated the Clippers in the paint, outscoring them 60-38.
