Timberwolves use huge third quarter to blow past Clippers
A large lead after three quarters of play has often been a sign of impending doom for the Timberwolves in recent weeks.
Not on Monday night.
The Wolves used a 40-point third quarter to pull away from the Los Angeles Clippers and had no late-game issues in a 121-100 victory in Los Angeles.
The win ensures the Timberwolves (37-17) will stay atop the Western Conference standings with a half-game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Clippers (35-17) were a half game back of Minnesota entering Monday’s contest and would have risen to the top spot in the standings with a victory.
Monday night’s game was everything you’d expect from two of the best in the West early on. Runs back and forth. Star players making flashy plays. Monster dunks.
The Timberwolves got going early behind their bigs, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert combining for 13 points in the first quarter as Minnesota took a narrow 28-24 lead into the second frame.
The Wolves and Clippers traded baskets back and forth in the second before Los Angeles ended the frame on an 8-0 run to take a 53-49 lead into the halftime break.
Monte Morris made his Timberwolves debut, checking into the game for the first time in the second quarter and immediately showing what he can bring to the table by drilling a 3-pointer on his first shot from the field. He played 18 minutes Monday night, finishing his day with five points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Anthony Edwards caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 12 points in a frame the Timberwolves outscored the Clippers by a 21-point margin. Edwards did a little bit of everything for Minnesota, finishing his night with 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal while only turning the ball over once.
Towns had 24 points to lead the Wolves in the scoring column, while Rudy Gobert finished his night with 17 points and 10 boards.
The Clippers waved the white flag with about four minutes to play, quickly subbing in the end of their bench.
The Timberwolves made sure not to let any late-game issues resurface Monday night, picking up an impressive victory to keep their top spot atop the West.
Final key stats
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Anthony Edwards: 23 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
- Rudy Gobert: 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 15 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
- Jaden McDaniels: 11 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block
- Naz Reid: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
