NBA Top Five Performances, Feb. 1: D’Angelo Russell’s Big Fourth Quarter Helped Timberwolves Get Past Golden State Warriors

Russell had 14 straight points in the fourth quarter.

TOP PLAYER OF THE DAY:

Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell had a subpar performance in the overtime loss against the Sacramento Kings Monday night.

He bounced back by scoring 29 points in Wednesday's victory against the Golden State Warriors. Russell scored 14 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to help the Timberwolves overcome a 14-point deficit. 

He shot 7 of 17 from 3-point range before fouling out in overtime.

“I am a guy that's always wanting the ball, wanting an opportunity, wanting it no matter how big the stage is,” Russell said. “Not everyone has the confidence at the end of the game to make a play and want to make the play. I try to give guys words of encouragement and show that through my play.”

"I am a guy that's always wanting the ball, wanting an opportunity, wanting it no matter how big the stage is."

D'Angelo Russell scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to help the #Timberwolves force overtime in the win over Golden State. #RaisedByWolves | #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/WDi2srFhO6

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) February 2, 2023

OTHERS:

- Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard had 42 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds to hand the Memphis Grizzlies the sixth loss in their last seven games. Lillard tied Joel Embiid for the third-most 40-point games in the league this season.

- James Harden nearly had a triple-double in the Philadelphia 76ers win over the Orlando Magic. Harden finished with 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the arc.

- Domantas Sabonis’ season-high 34 points helped the Kings defeat the San Antonio Spurs.

- Fred VanVleet’s triple-double nearly led the Toronto Raptors to victory over the Utah Jazz. VanVleet ended the night with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

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Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.