After four losses in a row, the Wolves had things to make up for and quickly showed it with 3-point baskets that fell into it. But the Clippers follow the rhythm in the first quarter (26-25). We must therefore accelerate. It was done in the second quarter, taking advantage of the lost balls from Tyronn Lue's men. With a 14-2, Minnesota took control and kept it until the break (53-47).
In the second half, Anthony Edwards sets an example in defense in front of James Harden. It is concentrated and intense and the temperature rises. Only, with completely missed shots afterwards, she quickly comes back down.
The Clippers then respond with a 7-0 and nothing is done before the last act (72-68). Naz Reid and Mo Bamba stand out from the first seconds of this fourth quarter with counterattacks, but the one who shines the most is Nicolas Batum. The Frenchman continues the winning baskets and launches his team towards a 10-0, which ends with a 3-point shot, and the mistake, by James Harden.
Kris Dunn misses the mark
Have the Clippers got their hands on “money time”? No, because the return of Anthony Edwards boosts the Wolves. He steals a ball and goes for a dunk before, a few seconds later, hitting a 3-pointer. At the same time, Californians are deprived of baskets. Only one in the last four minutes… However, with less than thirty seconds remaining, there is only one point difference.
Kris Dunn then takes the defensive rebound in front of Rudy Gobert but, when he brings the ball up, he loses his balance and the ball. The Wolves eat up the clock and take a shot with five seconds left. Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert each take an offensive rebound and thus prevent the Clippers from one last ammunition. Short victory but important victory for Minnesota (93-92).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Imperfect answer, but answer nonetheless from Anthony Edwards. He had fired up his teammates, without sparing himself either, after the setback against the Kings: the back therefore had to respond on the floor. He didn't have the match of his life, far from it, but in his attitude, in defense, he showed that he was involved and determined to get back to victory. The All-Star finished with 21 points at 7/21 shooting, 4 lost balls and 2 interceptions. There is clearly some take and leave in his performance, but he made no bones about it and played a significant role in this success.
– Lost balloons. The final score suggests that the defenses took the upper hand. This is not false, but the latter were helped by bad offensive choices too. Especially passes that are too easy to read, and sometimes directly into the arms of defenders. The Clippers lost 15 balls, including 9 before the break, when the Wolves did worse: 22 wasted possessions, including 9 in the third quarter alone.
– End of series for Minnesota. This narrow success remains crucial for the Wolves, who can finally breathe and rediscover the taste of victory. Certainly, with a record of 2-2, they will not go further in the NBA Cup but there is no doubt that, for Chris Finch and his locker room, the main thing is elsewhere.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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