Timberwolves rally past Clippers for West's No. 7 seed in tense play-in tournament game
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Loading... - Imogen Fletcher
- 13 Apr 2022
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The Minnesota Timberwolves proved they belong in the playoffs, and that rare air for this franchise is just where they’re headed.
Edwards and Russell combined for 59 points to help the Timberwolves overcome a rough night for Karl-Anthony Towns and beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 in a play-in game on Tuesday night.
"The game had to go in a different direction," coach Chris Finch said. "That’s why you have a team, because a lot of other people step up."
Edwards scored 30 points with five 3-pointers and Russell had 29 points and six assists to send the Wolves to the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with Memphis.
"Just utilizing what we have," Russell said. "We’ve got a lot of pieces that complement each other."
Paul George finished with 34 points after shooting 2-for-10 in the first half for the Clippers, who have a second chance to make the playoffs with a home game on Friday for the No. 8 seed against either New Orleans or San Antonio.
Reggie Jackson (17 points) and Norman Powell (16 points) did their part in stretches, but the Clippers failed to create enough separation when the Timberwolves were sputtering through most of the first half.
Towns had only 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting and fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, but his sidekicks were more than up to the challenge.
"I took what the game gave me. That’s what they gave me. They were scared to guard me, and I took advantage of that," Edwards said.
Jackson’s 3-pointer gave the Clippers their largest lead of the game at 93-83 with 8:54 remaining, but about four minutes later Russell knocked down the go-ahead 3-pointer for a 97-95 advantage the Wolves never relinquished. He saluted the crowd for the punctuation.
Edwards followed with a tomahawk dunk after blowing by Powell at the top of the key.
"I’m one of the best defensive guys on earth, and no one can guard him," said Beverley, who was in tears during the spirited celebration afterward as Edwards hopped up on the scorer’s table. Read More…
