The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to build on their impressive win against the Portland Trail Blazers when they take on the reigning champions Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday (PHT) live on NBA TV Philippines at 10:30 AM.
Wins have been difficult to come by for the young Wolves, who are still mired at the bottom with a 9-30 record. However it’s wins over squads like the Blazers that help a young team grow, and they did it in impressive fashion, coming out with a thrilling 114-112 nail-biter. Despite a late rally by Damian Lillard and company in the fourth quarter, Minnesota showed toughness down the stretch to come away with the big win.
Key for the Timberwolves, who are still without D’Angelo Russell, was the impressive play of rookie Anthony Edwards. Edwards registered 34 points (an impressive 12-of-24 from the field), highlighted by six made triples. Veteran guard Ricky Rubio also provided support with an all-around performance of 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Karl Anthony-Towns notched a near triple-double of 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
The Timberwolves have had their troubles defending other teams. They are third worst in points allowed (116.8), letting opponents shoot 47.6 percent from the field. But they have an opportunity to make it two wins in a row against the Lakers, who are only a half-game behind the Phoenix Suns for first place in the Pacific Division. Los Angeles is looking for its third straight win against the Timberwolves after dismantling the Golden State Warriors, 128-97, on Tuesday.
LeBron James, who stated that he doesn’t intend to miss any games in the second of the season, continues to do the heavy-lifting for the Lakers as they surge on without Anthony Davis in the lineup. James registered another triple-double of 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in the win over the Warriors. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell also played extended minutes in the absence of Marc Gasol (out due to COVID protocols) with 27 points, five rebounds, and three steals.
Los Angeles has withstood adversity this season, righting the ship after a shaky end to the first half of the season. Will the hungry Wolves find a way to win against the defending champs?
