Minnesota has generated a two-game winning streak after handing Indiana a tough loss in their playoff race and then following it up by smacking a bad LA Lakers squad, 119-104. The Timberwolves' defense has played a little better by their standards and the offense has been blowing up recently, putting up 115 or more points in three of the last four games. The Lakers have lost nine of their last 10 games, that lone win being against Minnesota in overtime just a week ago. However, the Timberwolves got the final say with a revenge victory.
Lakers fizzle after a solid first quarter
After the game was tied at 37 after the first 12 minutes, Los Angeles was outscored 59-45 in the next two quarters to eventually get blown out. Both teams hit roughly 48 percent from the field, but the differences came in helping Minnesota get to the free throw line and turning the ball over 17 games in the contest.
Point guard Jordan Clarkson (14.8 ppg) had the best performance with 18 points and 7 assists. He was even more stunning in their previous meeting with the Timberwolves as he put up 35 points in the victory. Power forward Julius Randle (13 ppg, 8.7 rpg) recorded a double-double that featured 13 boards and 12 points. He stumbled on offense recently with just 10 points combined in the two games between the Minnesota contests.
Timberwolves roll with Rubio and Towns
Minnesota drilled 10-of-21 3-point attempts on the night. Point guard Ricky Rubio (10.9 ppg, 9 apg) hit 4-of-5 from downtown and finished with 33 points and 10 assists. He's really stepped it up on offense recently, averaging 22.3 points in his past four games. He's also had 10 or more assists in four of his past six games.
The Lakers also couldn't slow down center Karl-Anthony Towns (24.7 ppg, 12.1 rpg), who complimented Rubio's performance with 32 points and 9 boards. He followed up his 37-point showing against Indiana last time out. The only real blemish for the team's defense was giving up 58 points in the paint to Los Angeles. However, the final could have been worse if the Timberwolves made more than 23-of-30 free throw attempts.
