The Minnesota Timberwolves ended their four-game losing streak with a dramatic 93-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night in Minneapolis. In a hard-fought NBA Cup game, a clutch shot in the final minutes by Anthony Edwards proved to be the difference, giving the Timberwolves a much-needed win at home and keeping their tournament hopes alive.
Edwards’ Clutch Shot Secures a Narrow Victory
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 21 points, but it was a challenging night for the star guard. He shot just 7-for-21 from the field, struggling to find his rhythm for most of the game.
Despite his inefficiency, Edwards delivered when it mattered most. With just 2:24 left on the clock, Edwards hit a massive pull-up three-pointer to give Minnesota a 92-90 lead. That shot ultimately decided the game’s outcome.
Reflecting on his performance, Edwards emphasized the importance of perseverance. “You gotta trust the process,” he said in the post-game interview, acknowledging his shooting struggles but focusing on the team’s resilience.
Clippers’ Late Game Struggles Cost Them the Win
The Los Angeles Clippers were in a position to win, thanks largely to a strong showing from James Harden, who finished with 20 points and 11 assists. His impressive four-point play gave the Clippers a 90-87 lead with just over four minutes remaining.
However, the Clippers’ offense went cold down the stretch. The team managed only a single layup by Ivica Zubac in the final four minutes of the game. This offensive freeze allowed the Timberwolves to mount their comeback.
Making matters worse, Kevin Porter Jr., who had 17 points, rolled his left ankle on a drive and had to leave the game with under two minutes left, leaving the Clippers short-handed at a critical moment.
A Game of Highs and Lows
The Timberwolves’ victory did not come easily. They committed 22 turnovers and surrendered a double-digit lead earlier in the contest, showing signs of the issues that have plagued them recently.
However, other players stepped up to support Edwards. Nickeil Alexander-Walker recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Julius Randle contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds of his own.
Key Game Statistics
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Edwards | Timberwolves | 21 | – | – |
| James Harden | Clippers | 20 | – | 11 |
| Ivica Zubac | Clippers | 16 | 13 | – |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Timberwolves | 12 | 10 | – |
What’s Next for the Timberwolves and Clippers
The Clippers’ struggles have been compounded by injuries, with Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell both sidelined. They will look to bounce back when they return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will try to build on this positive momentum. They are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, hoping to start a new winning streak. Both teams remain in contention for the in-season tournament quarterfinals but face a challenging path forward.
