Julius Randle contributed 18 points while Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 109-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker also made significant contributions for the Timberwolves (10-10), scoring 15 points each. The Timberwolves’ defense was impressive, holding the Lakers to their lowest point total since a 122-73 defeat against Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.
While Anthony Edwards struggled with only eight points on 3-for-13 shooting, he was joined by his Olympic teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom had quiet nights as well. James scored 10 points, hitting just 4 of 16 shots, and Davis contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell returned from illness to score 20 points in the starting lineup.
Previously, the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 105-104 but faced challenges against the Timberwolves, a team they had beaten 110-103 in their season opener thanks to a stellar performance from Davis.
Takeaways from the game highlight Lakers rookie coach J.J. Redick’s assessment that the team has been “uneven and inconsistent,” evident in their fifth loss in seven games. Conversely, the Timberwolves showcased a strong defensive effort, successfully reviving their transition game and three-point shooting, going 15 for 35 from beyond the arc and scoring 20 fast-break points.
A key moment in the game occurred when Gobert, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, intercepted an inbounds pass for a fast-break dunk late in the third quarter, further frustrating the Lakers.
A notable statistic from this matchup is that the Timberwolves have held their opponents under 100 points for the second consecutive game and for the fourth time this season. In the current 2023-24 season, the Timberwolves have established themselves as a defensive powerhouse, leading the league in scoring defense.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are set to face the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves will visit the Los Angeles Clippers.
This game illustrates the Timberwolves’ potential as they excel in defense and offensive execution, offering hope for their trajectory this season. With continued improvement, they could become a strong contender in the league.