Wizards Come From Behind, Defeat Hawks
The Washington Wizards defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 119-116, at StateFarm Arena on Tuesday.
The Wizards (29-32) and the Hawks (31-31) met in a battle between two candidates for play-in berths, and the game didn’t disappoint since it went down to the wire with both teams fighting until the very end for the win. Ultimately, though, the Wizards held on and escaped with a tight win on the road after pulling out a comeback in the fourth quarter. The first quarter ended with a 27-27 tie, and the Hawks looked more comfortable in the first half overall, racing out to a four-point lead at the break after a 29-25 score in the second quarter. Atlanta boosted their advantage to five points following a 34-33 score and seemed as if the Hawks were going to cruise until the end, but the Wizards were not done and never gave up. Washington outscored their rivals by a 34-26 score in the final 12 minutes and that was enough to get the victory. With the win, the Wizards moved to 15-19 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 17-13 at home.
Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with a 37-point effort that also included seven assists and three rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma finished with 28 points and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford had a double-double after finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds, but he also added three blocks and two assists. No other Washington player scored in double digits. The Wizards shot 49.5 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Trae Young was the best player for the Hawks in this game and finished with 31 points and seven assists, while Clint Capela had a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds while also adding three assists, three blocks and two steals. Deandre Hunter posted 14 points, three rebounds and two blocks, and Dejounte Murray posted 15 points and five assists.
The Wizards (29-32) and the Hawks (31-31) met in a battle between two candidates for play-in berths, and the game didn’t disappoint since it went down to the wire with both teams fighting until the very end for the win. Ultimately, though, the Wizards held on and escaped with a tight win on the road after pulling out a comeback in the fourth quarter. The first quarter ended with a 27-27 tie, and the Hawks looked more comfortable in the first half overall, racing out to a four-point lead at the break after a 29-25 score in the second quarter. Atlanta boosted their advantage to five points following a 34-33 score and seemed as if the Hawks were going to cruise until the end, but the Wizards were not done and never gave up. Washington outscored their rivals by a 34-26 score in the final 12 minutes and that was enough to get the victory. With the win, the Wizards moved to 15-19 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 17-13 at home.
Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with a 37-point effort that also included seven assists and three rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma finished with 28 points and three rebounds. Daniel Gafford had a double-double after finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds, but he also added three blocks and two assists. No other Washington player scored in double digits. The Wizards shot 49.5 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Trae Young was the best player for the Hawks in this game and finished with 31 points and seven assists, while Clint Capela had a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds while also adding three assists, three blocks and two steals. Deandre Hunter posted 14 points, three rebounds and two blocks, and Dejounte Murray posted 15 points and five assists.
Bucks Use Big Second Half To Defeat Nets
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 118-104, at Barclays Center on Tuesday.
The Bucks (44-17) are vying to secure the best record in the league this season and took another step in that direction, as they didn’t have problems to get past the Nets (34-27) despite playing away from home. Milwaukee got off to a slow start, however, and the Nets secured a double-digit lead following the first quarter with a 34-22 score, but Milwaukee showed signs of a potential turnaround when they outscored Brooklyn by a 30-28 score in the second quarter. The second half was probably some of Milwaukee’s best basketball of the season, as they outscored the Nets 39-23 in the third quarter and 27-19 in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, Milwaukee moved to 18-12 on the road, while the Nets fell to 18-12 when playing at home. Milwaukee also pushed their winning streak to a league-best 15 contests.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the best player for the Bucks in the win, as he finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, while Jrue Holiday ended with 14 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Brook Lopez had 13 points and 10 rebounds, but he also added two blocks. Khris Middleton was impressive off the bench and finished with 18 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets in the loss, as he finished with a team-high 31 points while also adding five assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 26 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Cameron Johnson recorded 19 points and seven rebounds, but he also added four steals. No other Brooklyn player scored in double digits here.
The Bucks (44-17) are vying to secure the best record in the league this season and took another step in that direction, as they didn’t have problems to get past the Nets (34-27) despite playing away from home. Milwaukee got off to a slow start, however, and the Nets secured a double-digit lead following the first quarter with a 34-22 score, but Milwaukee showed signs of a potential turnaround when they outscored Brooklyn by a 30-28 score in the second quarter. The second half was probably some of Milwaukee’s best basketball of the season, as they outscored the Nets 39-23 in the third quarter and 27-19 in the final 12 minutes of action. With the win, Milwaukee moved to 18-12 on the road, while the Nets fell to 18-12 when playing at home. Milwaukee also pushed their winning streak to a league-best 15 contests.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the best player for the Bucks in the win, as he finished with 33 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, while Jrue Holiday ended with 14 points, eight assists and three rebounds. Brook Lopez had 13 points and 10 rebounds, but he also added two blocks. Khris Middleton was impressive off the bench and finished with 18 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets in the loss, as he finished with a team-high 31 points while also adding five assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 26 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Cameron Johnson recorded 19 points and seven rebounds, but he also added four steals. No other Brooklyn player scored in double digits here.
Raptors Defeat Bulls, 104-98
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 104-98, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.
There were 11 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever grabbing a double-digit lead. The largest lead was nine points by Toronto late in the fourth quarter, outscoring Chicago in that frame, 34-26. The Raptors ended up out-rebounding the Bulls, 55-44, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 15-4. Toronto also recorded 11 steals to Chicago's six, winning the turnover battle, 19-11.
The Bulls (28-34) were led by Nikola Vucevic, collecting 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Zach Lavine amassed 17 points, two rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan totaled 13 points and two assists. Patrick Beverley provided eight points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Ayo Dosunmu led the bench with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors (31-32) were led by Pascal Siakam, collecting 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. OG Anunoby accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Jakob Poeltl generated 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
Chicago has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, traveling to face the Detroit Pistons. As for Toronto, they play the Washington Wizards on the road on Thursday.
There were 11 ties and 14 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever grabbing a double-digit lead. The largest lead was nine points by Toronto late in the fourth quarter, outscoring Chicago in that frame, 34-26. The Raptors ended up out-rebounding the Bulls, 55-44, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 15-4. Toronto also recorded 11 steals to Chicago's six, winning the turnover battle, 19-11.
The Bulls (28-34) were led by Nikola Vucevic, collecting 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Zach Lavine amassed 17 points, two rebounds and three assists. DeMar DeRozan totaled 13 points and two assists. Patrick Beverley provided eight points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Ayo Dosunmu led the bench with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Raptors (31-32) were led by Pascal Siakam, collecting 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds and two steals. OG Anunoby accrued 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Jakob Poeltl generated 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
Chicago has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, traveling to face the Detroit Pistons. As for Toronto, they play the Washington Wizards on the road on Thursday.
Grizzlies Cruise Past Lakers
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 121-109, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies led, 26-22, after one quarter. The Lakers pulled away early in the second and held on to a three-point lead at the break. The hosts bounced back in the third and outscored the Lakers, 47-35, to take a nine-point advantage into the final quarter. The Lakers had no answers in the fourth, as the Grizzlies cruised to their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 39 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and steal steals, in 34 minutes. Xavier Tillman totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson added 16 points each. The Grizzlies shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 6-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 28 points, 19 rebounds and five block, in 36 minutes. Lonnie Walker followed up with 21 points, four rebounds and a block, while Austin Reaves tallied 17 points, two rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. The Lakers shot 44.2 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from deep.
The Lakers (29-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (37-23) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies led, 26-22, after one quarter. The Lakers pulled away early in the second and held on to a three-point lead at the break. The hosts bounced back in the third and outscored the Lakers, 47-35, to take a nine-point advantage into the final quarter. The Lakers had no answers in the fourth, as the Grizzlies cruised to their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 39 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and steal steals, in 34 minutes. Xavier Tillman totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson added 16 points each. The Grizzlies shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 6-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 28 points, 19 rebounds and five block, in 36 minutes. Lonnie Walker followed up with 21 points, four rebounds and a block, while Austin Reaves tallied 17 points, two rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. The Lakers shot 44.2 percent from the field, including 13-of-34 from deep.
The Lakers (29-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (37-23) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
Nuggets Defeat Rockets, 133-112
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Houston Rockets, 133-112, at Toyota Center on Tuesday.
A 41-30 first quarter set the foundation for Denver in this dominating victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put things away behind a 33-24 second quarter, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Nuggets led by at least 18 points for the entirety of the second half. Denver shot 58 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range (16-of-37) while holding Houston to 50 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range (9-of-31). The Nuggets also recorded 40 assists on their 53 made baskets.
The Rockets (13-48) were led by Jalen Green, generating 17 points, two rebounds and five assists across just 19 minutes. Tari Eason led the bench with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. KJ Martin collected 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Alperen Sengun accumulated seven points, two rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
The Nuggets (44-19) were led by Jamal Murray, collecting 32 points, four rebounds and six assists on 12-of-18 shooting. Michael Porter Jr provided 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 14 points, six assists and two steals. Nikola Jokic provided 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Houston has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, staying home to play the Memphis Grizzlies. As for Denver, they play host to the Grizzlies on Friday for their next outing.
A 41-30 first quarter set the foundation for Denver in this dominating victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They put things away behind a 33-24 second quarter, getting their lead up to 26 points at times. The Nuggets led by at least 18 points for the entirety of the second half. Denver shot 58 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range (16-of-37) while holding Houston to 50 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range (9-of-31). The Nuggets also recorded 40 assists on their 53 made baskets.
The Rockets (13-48) were led by Jalen Green, generating 17 points, two rebounds and five assists across just 19 minutes. Tari Eason led the bench with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. KJ Martin collected 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Alperen Sengun accumulated seven points, two rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
The Nuggets (44-19) were led by Jamal Murray, collecting 32 points, four rebounds and six assists on 12-of-18 shooting. Michael Porter Jr provided 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 14 points, six assists and two steals. Nikola Jokic provided 14 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Houston has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, staying home to play the Memphis Grizzlies. As for Denver, they play host to the Grizzlies on Friday for their next outing.
Kings Close Out Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-117, at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Kings led, 44-38, after one quarter. The pace slowed down in the second, but the visitors stayed in front and took a five-point lead into the break. Both sides brought a similar effort in the third, while the Kings retained a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept pressing and tied it up early in the fourth, but the Kings pulled in front again and came up clutch to secure their fourth straight win. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Thunder.
Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 29 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 22 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and a block, while Kevin Huerter finished with 20 points, four rebounds and nine assists. The Kings shot 52.4 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Dario Saric followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Kenrich Williams tallied 11 points, four rebounds and five steals. The Thunder shot 43.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Thunder (28-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Wednesday. The Kings (36-25) play host to the Clippers on Friday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Kings led, 44-38, after one quarter. The pace slowed down in the second, but the visitors stayed in front and took a five-point lead into the break. Both sides brought a similar effort in the third, while the Kings retained a four-point edge heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept pressing and tied it up early in the fourth, but the Kings pulled in front again and came up clutch to secure their fourth straight win. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Thunder.
Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 29 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 22 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and a block, while Kevin Huerter finished with 20 points, four rebounds and nine assists. The Kings shot 52.4 percent from the field, including 15-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 33 minutes. Dario Saric followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Kenrich Williams tallied 11 points, four rebounds and five steals. The Thunder shot 43.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
The Thunder (28-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Wednesday. The Kings (36-25) play host to the Clippers on Friday.
Pacers Hold Off Mavs For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 124-122, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday evening.
The game got out to a tight start as the Mavs led, 33-31, after one quarter, but the Pacers pulled away in the second and claimed a 10-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third and the Mavs grabbed a brief lead, but the hosts rallied ahead again for an eight-point edge heading into the final quarter. The Mavs kept fighting through the fourth and cut it to a one-point game, but the Pacers held on in the clutch to close out their second straight win. This marks the fourth loss in five games for the Mavericks.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 32 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Myles Turner followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and a steal, while Jordan Nwora added 16 points and three rebounds. The Pacers shot 52.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 39 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Tim Hardaway recorded 16 points and four rebounds. The Mavs shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
The Mavs (32-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Thursday. The Pacers (28-35) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.
The game got out to a tight start as the Mavs led, 33-31, after one quarter, but the Pacers pulled away in the second and claimed a 10-point lead by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third and the Mavs grabbed a brief lead, but the hosts rallied ahead again for an eight-point edge heading into the final quarter. The Mavs kept fighting through the fourth and cut it to a one-point game, but the Pacers held on in the clutch to close out their second straight win. This marks the fourth loss in five games for the Mavericks.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 32 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Myles Turner followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and a steal, while Jordan Nwora added 16 points and three rebounds. The Pacers shot 52.6 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 39 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 16 points, five rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block, while Tim Hardaway recorded 16 points and four rebounds. The Mavs shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from long range.
The Mavs (32-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Thursday. The Pacers (28-35) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.
Spurs Defeat Jazz, 102-94
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Utah Jazz, 102-94, at Vivint Arena on Tuesday.
There were seven ties and 17 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. With that said, San Antonio rode a 31-21 fourth quarter to their comeback win, completing an 18-point turnaround over the closing 17 minutes of this game. San Antonio shot 43 percent from the field while holding Utah to 35 percent shooting. The Spurs also recorded 23 assists to 12 turnovers, while the Jazz had 15 assists to 20 turnovers. They outscored Utah in the paint, 56-36, as well.
The Spurs (15-47) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and three assists on 12-of-19 from the field. Jeremy Sochan amassed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Zach Collins missed 13 of his 15 shots but finished with seven points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Doug McDermott led the bench with 19 points and three boards.
The Jazz (31-32) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 28 points and 10 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Walker Kessler compiled 10 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Kelly Olynyk generated eight points and 10 boards. Kris Dunn led the bench with 11 points, three assists and two steals.
On deck for San Antonio is a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. As for Utah, they're off until Friday, traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There were seven ties and 17 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. With that said, San Antonio rode a 31-21 fourth quarter to their comeback win, completing an 18-point turnaround over the closing 17 minutes of this game. San Antonio shot 43 percent from the field while holding Utah to 35 percent shooting. The Spurs also recorded 23 assists to 12 turnovers, while the Jazz had 15 assists to 20 turnovers. They outscored Utah in the paint, 56-36, as well.
The Spurs (15-47) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 25 points, four rebounds and three assists on 12-of-19 from the field. Jeremy Sochan amassed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Zach Collins missed 13 of his 15 shots but finished with seven points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Doug McDermott led the bench with 19 points and three boards.
The Jazz (31-32) were led by Lauri Markkanen, totaling 28 points and 10 rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker tallied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Walker Kessler compiled 10 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Kelly Olynyk generated eight points and 10 boards. Kris Dunn led the bench with 11 points, three assists and two steals.
On deck for San Antonio is a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. As for Utah, they're off until Friday, traveling to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Warriors Handle Trail Blazers, 123-105
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-105, at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
The Trail Blazers (29-32) opened the contest with plenty of momentum in their first game following Damian Lillard's storied 71-point outburst, as they forged a 41-27 lead through one. Portland appeared well on its way to a rout when it added three more points to its advantage before halftime, but the Warriors (32-30) changed the entire dynamic of the game with a 39-17 advantage in the third quarter that wiped out the entirety of their deficit and sent them into the final period with a five-point edge. Golden State kept pouring it on in the final 12 minutes allowing the defending champs to win going away.
Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 25 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jerami Grant furnished 24 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Matisse Thybulle delivered 15 points, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Shaedon Sharpe registered 13 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
Jordan Poole paced the Warriors with 29 points, complementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Klay Thompson turned in 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo managed 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jonathan Kuminga netted 16 points, while Kevon Looney went for 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green offered 12 points, nine boards, eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, while the Warriors remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
The Trail Blazers (29-32) opened the contest with plenty of momentum in their first game following Damian Lillard's storied 71-point outburst, as they forged a 41-27 lead through one. Portland appeared well on its way to a rout when it added three more points to its advantage before halftime, but the Warriors (32-30) changed the entire dynamic of the game with a 39-17 advantage in the third quarter that wiped out the entirety of their deficit and sent them into the final period with a five-point edge. Golden State kept pouring it on in the final 12 minutes allowing the defending champs to win going away.
Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 25 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jerami Grant furnished 24 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Matisse Thybulle delivered 15 points, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Shaedon Sharpe registered 13 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
Jordan Poole paced the Warriors with 29 points, complementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Klay Thompson turned in 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo managed 21 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jonathan Kuminga netted 16 points, while Kevon Looney went for 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green offered 12 points, nine boards, eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, while the Warriors remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
Timberwolves Topple Clippers, 108-101
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-101, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.
The Clippers (33-31) came into the contest hoping to atone for back-to-back overtime losses and got their quest off to a solid start by establishing a 33-26 lead through one. However, the Timberwolves (32-32), hoping to get to .500, found life in the middle quarters, a span in which they outscored Los Angeles by a 60-42 margin to take an 11-point lead into the final period. L.A. would get as close as within four with 42 seconds remaining, but Minnesota sealed the victory with a Rudy Gobert dunk and an Anthony Edwards free throw.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 20 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Edwards totaled 18 points, four boards, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Gobert managed 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Kyle Anderson and Naz Reid generated matching 12-point contributions while providing 10 and eight rebounds, respectively. Taurean Prince netted 10 points.
Paul George paced the Clippers with 25 points, supplementing them with six boards, three assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard turned in 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Russell Westbrook supplied a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and one steal. Norman Powell poured in 13 points, while Ivica Zubac posted 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and in Los Angeles specifically to face the Lakers on Friday night, while the Clippers visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
The Clippers (33-31) came into the contest hoping to atone for back-to-back overtime losses and got their quest off to a solid start by establishing a 33-26 lead through one. However, the Timberwolves (32-32), hoping to get to .500, found life in the middle quarters, a span in which they outscored Los Angeles by a 60-42 margin to take an 11-point lead into the final period. L.A. would get as close as within four with 42 seconds remaining, but Minnesota sealed the victory with a Rudy Gobert dunk and an Anthony Edwards free throw.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 20 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Edwards totaled 18 points, four boards, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Gobert managed 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Kyle Anderson and Naz Reid generated matching 12-point contributions while providing 10 and eight rebounds, respectively. Taurean Prince netted 10 points.
Paul George paced the Clippers with 25 points, supplementing them with six boards, three assists and three steals. Kawhi Leonard turned in 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Russell Westbrook supplied a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and one steal. Norman Powell poured in 13 points, while Ivica Zubac posted 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and in Los Angeles specifically to face the Lakers on Friday night, while the Clippers visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.