MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves, spearheaded by Anthony Edwards’ 27 points, clinched a hard-fought 118-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. The win was especially notable as it handed the LeBron James-less Lakers their fourth consecutive loss and tied the Wolves with Boston for the NBA’s best record at 21-6.
Despite playing on consecutive nights, the Timberwolves showcased resilience and depth. Coach Chris Finch praised his team’s effort, acknowledging the challenges of back-to-back games and the close nature of the contest.
Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points for Minnesota before exiting with a lower-leg injury. His condition remains uncertain, with Finch mentioning Towns took a “bang” but had no further updates. Despite a sluggish third quarter, the Wolves managed to regain momentum, largely thanks to the efforts of Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert. Conley finished with 16 points and eight assists, while Gobert added a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, along with three blocks.
The Lakers, missing LeBron James due to tendinitis in his ankle, struggled to find their rhythm. Anthony Davis led Los Angeles with 31 points and eight rebounds, battling against Minnesota’s formidable frontcourt. Rui Hachimura, starting in James’ absence, scored 18 points. The loss further deepens the Lakers’ slump, dropping them to 15-14 overall and 5-11 on the road.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham expressed optimism about the team’s future, emphasizing the need for players to return to full health and find their rhythm.
Austin Reaves provided a significant boost off the bench for the Lakers with 18 points, and Taurean Prince, a former Timberwolf, was perfect from beyond the arc, hitting all four of his three-point attempts. D’Angelo Russell, facing his old team, scored 17 points and had eight assists but was critical of the Lakers’ lack of continuity.
The Timberwolves’ defense, the best in the league in terms of points allowed per game, was a crucial factor in their victory. Conley highlighted the importance of their defensive prowess, describing it as the team’s hallmark.
Looking ahead, the Lakers face a challenging matchup against Oklahoma City on Saturday, while the Timberwolves will travel to Sacramento for their next game.
