The Timberwolves beat the Lakers last night for the first time in 23 attempts, but they came up just short against the better of the Los Angeles teams tonight, going down at the hands of the Clippers 109-107.
Chris Paul and Co. came into the game as the top offense in the league, putting up 110 points per game, and they showed why as they shot 55 percent from the floor to outpace the inconsistent Wolves.
Minnesota was ranked third in the league in points per game, and came back from down double figures multiple times, once in the first half to pull within one going to halftime, the other via a 10-1 run late in the fourth that cut the LA lead to two.
Their second run brought them within two heading into their last possession. Kevin Martin took a 18-footer from the left wing which clanked off the iron, and Nikola Pekovic and Kevin Love both had open putback chances, but both came up short as time expired.
LA was led by the steady handed Paul who dropped 21 points and dished out 11 assists, and Blake Griffin led LA in scoring, putting in 25.
Love, Pekovic, and Martin combined for 78 points, but the Wolves bench was outscored 40-17, with Clipper guard Jamal Crawford leading the way with 18. He also had the highlight of the night, a third quarter buzzer-beater from halfcourt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGqMPbXn284
Minnesota is back in action at Target Center against Cleveland Wednesday.
