Julius Randle led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 109-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, scoring 18 points. Rudy Gobert also made a significant contribution with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Timberwolves (10-10) showcased strong defensive performance, limiting the Lakers to their lowest point total since 2017.
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each added 15 points, while Anthony Edwards struggled, scoring only eight points on 3-for-13 shooting. The Lakers’ star duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, faced similar difficulties, contributing just 10 and 12 points, respectively. James continued to struggle from beyond the arc, missing his last 19 attempts, while D’Angelo Russell returned to the starting lineup with a team-high 20 points.
The Lakers, who had a narrow win over Utah the previous night, appeared out of sync against the Timberwolves. Rookie coach J.J. Redick commented on his team’s performance thus far in the season, labeling it “uneven and inconsistent.” This loss marked their fifth in the last seven games.
Minnesota’s defense was a focal point of their game strategy, and they excelled, with Gobert making key defensive plays, including a fast-break dunk following a steal. The Timberwolves recorded 15 three-pointers and scored 20 points in transition, indicating both an effective defense and a revived offense.
Remarkably, this was the Timberwolves’ second consecutive game holding their opponent under 100 points, showcasing their potential as a formidable defensive team this season.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to play against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves will face the Los Angeles Clippers, providing them with an opportunity to continue their momentum.
This game reflects the Timberwolves’ growing capabilities, especially on defense. With their ability to hold opponents to low scores and an emerging offensive strategy, they are positioning themselves as a competitive force moving forward in the season.