Julius Randle contributed 18 points while Rudy Gobert recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a commanding 109-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 15 points each for the Timberwolves (10-10), who successfully kept the Lakers to their lowest point total since a loss to Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.
Despite the win, the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards struggled, finishing with just eight points on 3-of-13 shooting. On the Lakers’ side, both LeBron James and Anthony Davis faced challenges scoring; James, who has missed 19 consecutive three-pointers, tallied only 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, while Davis contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 20 points in his return from illness.
The Lakers, having recently defeated Utah 105-104, faced a tough challenge against a Minnesota team they previously defeated 110-103 in the season opener, a game where Davis excelled.
Key insights from the game highlight the Lakers’ inconsistency under rookie head coach J.J. Redick, as they suffered their fifth loss in the last seven games. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves demonstrated a focused defense, improving their transition game and three-point shooting with 15 successful shots from beyond the arc and 20 fast-break points.
One notable moment featured Gobert showcasing his defensive prowess by stealing an inbounds pass, leading to a fast-break dunk late in the third quarter, highlighting his impact on both ends of the court.
Statistically, the Timberwolves have now held their opponents under 100 points for the second consecutive game and for the fourth time this season, reinforcing their status as a top defensive team.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will take on the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves will head to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
In summary, the Timberwolves’ strong defensive performance and scoring efficiency reshaped the game’s outcome, demonstrating their potential as a competitive team this season. As they continue to develop their gameplay, fans can remain hopeful for further successes in upcoming matches.