Minnesota Timberwolves defeat LeBron less Lakers 118-111
With LeBron James missing the second night of back-to-back games, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Los Angeles Lakers 118-111 on Thursday thanks to 27 points from Anthony Edwards. It was the Lakers’ fourth consecutive loss.
The Timberwolves, who were playing for the second straight night as well, were tied with Boston at 21-6 for the top record in the NBA.
“Congratulations to the boys for winning two straight games. We might lose that game if it continues three more minutes, Wolves coach Chris Finch said. “I understand there might not have been a full tank for everyone,” Finch said.
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 21 points for Minnesota with 5:07 remaining before hobbling to the locker room for additional testing due to a lower-leg injury. Finch said that Towns took a “bang,” but he did not have an update on his status. After a drowsy third quarter, the Wolves were awake by that point.
The Wolves improved to 12-1 at home and avoided consecutive defeats for the first time this season because to the performances of Rudy Gobert (15 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks), Mike Conley (16 points, eight assists), and two of the team’s thirteen steals.
Conley stated, “We just use our size and depth.” “We can just be unpredictable every night, and it can be overwhelming for certain teams at times.”
With James sidelined due to tendinitis in his ankle, Rui Hachimura started in place of James and scored 18 points along with Anthony Davis, who finished with 31 points and eight rebounds. The Lakers are now 1-5 since winning the NBA In-Season Tournament. They are 5-11 away from home and 15-14 overall.
Coach Darvin Ham stated, “Once we get guys back healthy and in rhythm, we’ll break through this thing.” “We’ll be alright.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves outscored the Lakers in the paint, scoring 50 points as opposed to the Lakers’ 40. Because of the size Rudy Gobert provides Timberwolves out rebounded Lakers. When it came to second-chance points made, they were way ahead of the Lakers. Compared to the Lakers’ 7 points, they scored 17 second chance points.
With 13 steals compared to the Lakers 6 steals today, the Timberwolves defense played exceptionally well.
NOOOOOPE. ⛔️ pic.twitter.com/09Z5TQotnb
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 22, 2023
LA Basketball Sports Fan Wear DT Sweatshirt Hoodie
For the past twelve days, the Lakers have had a mini-slump, regardless of whether the delay was caused by the energy expended in winning the league’s first-ever spectacle in Las Vegas on December 9.
Against one of the league’s top lineups of big men in Gobert, Towns, and backup Naz Reid, Davis battled through an ankle injury while James, decked up in a hooded sweatshirt and stocking cap, watched from the bench.
“Even though he lost, he demonstrated why he is who he is throughout the entire battle,” Ham remarked. “Dude, he’s fun to coach.”
Russell remarked, “We haven’t even seen our successful postseason lineup from last year.” “Every game feels fresh to me.”
Austin Reaves on his recent run of success in scoring:
“I feel wonderful. Playing the game with confidence and technique. The shot feels fantastic, and the game seems to be in the perfect place. All that counts to me right now is figuring out how to win these games.”
In the league, the Wolves are giving up the fewest points per contest.
Conley said, “We must rely heavily on our defense.”
Anthony Davis:
“Losing is terrible. Four straight is difficult; therefore, you want to return to the winning column. However, I believe that overall tonight we made an attempt.”
After suffering four straight losses, Anthony Davis continued, “the Lakers view this Saturday’s game in Oklahoma City as a must-win.”
D’Angelo Russell asserts that he “needs to be better” and that there is “no excuse” for his shortcomings.
The match was attended by 18000 spectators with Minnesota Vikings players Justin Jefferson & K.J. Osborn also present in celebrity rows.
Lakers are now the 10th seed with 15-14 record they need to win few games to to remain in contention for playoffs. https://x.com/NBA/status/1738078387879510154?s=20
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